Facts summary and sources
English Electric Lightning: speed field: Mach 2.27 (database value; evidence basis not recorded). First flight: 1957.
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✈️ Full Specifications
| Country | ✈️ United Kingdom |
| First flight | 1957 |
| Length | 16.84 m (55.3 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.27 |
| Speed evidence basis | Published specification |
| Max Speed | 2,415 km/h |
English Electric Lightning
The English Electric Lightning was the UK only true supersonic fighter aircraft. Entering service in 1959, it was designed as a point-defense interceptor to counter Soviet bomber threats during the Cold War.
⚡ Performance
The Lightning was famous for its incredible climb rate — it could reach 36,000 feet in under 3 minutes, faster than any Western fighter of its era. Its unusual stacked twin-engine configuration (one above the other) gave it a distinctive narrow fuselage.
With a top speed of Mach 2.27 (2,415 km/h), it was one of the fastest fighters of the 1960s. Pilots described the acceleration as “like being kicked in the back by a horse.”
📋 Specifications
- Max Speed: Mach 2.27 (2,415 km/h)
- Range: 1,500 km
- Service Ceiling: 18,000 m (60,000 ft)
- Engines: 2× Rolls-Royce Avon 301R turbojets
- First Flight: 1957
- Built: 337
- Country: United Kingdom
⚔️ Armament
2× ADEN 30mm cannons, 2× Firestreak or Red Top air-to-air missiles, 2× retractable rocket pods.
🎬 Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the English Electric Lightning?
The Lightning reached Mach 2.27 (1,500 mph), possibly exceeding Mach 2.3 in clean configuration.
What was unique about the Lightning’s engine layout?
Two Rolls-Royce Avon engines stacked vertically (one above the other) for a slim frontal area, reducing drag but complicating maintenance.
How many Lightnings were built?
337 English Electric Lightnings were built.
Is the Lightning still in service?
No. It served with the RAF from 1960 to 1988. It was the only all-British Mach 2 aircraft.