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English Electric Lightning F3s
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English Electric Lightning F3s
English Electric Lightning F3s from No 29 Squadron at RAF Episkopi, Cyprus
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Media ID 9889561
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10839663
Cyprus Electric Lightning Squadron Episkopi
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a formation of English Electric Lightning F3s from No. 29 Squadron taxis on the runway at RAF Episkopi in Cyprus. The Lightning, a iconic British-designed and manufactured supersonic interceptor, was a formidable aircraft in its time, renowned for its impressive speed and agility. The year is 1970, and the Lightning F3s are ready for takeoff, their powerful engines roaring as they gather momentum. The squadron, part of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) 11 Group, was based at RAF Episkopi from 1966 to 1974, playing a crucial role in the defense of the Middle East during the Cold War. The English Electric Lightning was the first operational British aircraft to exceed the speed of sound in level flight, and its advanced design included an innovative swept-wing configuration and a unique "butterfly" tail. The F3 variant, which entered service in 1961, was an improved version of the original Lightning F1, featuring upgraded avionics and weapons systems. This photograph captures the raw power and grace of these aircraft as they prepare for their next mission. The stark contrast between the dark runway and the gleaming silver bodies of the Lightning F3s creates a dramatic effect, while the pilots in their cockpits, focused intently on the task at hand, add a sense of urgency to the scene. The English Electric Lightning F3s of No. 29 Squadron at RAF Episkopi represent a pivotal moment in the history of aviation, a time when the world was on the brink of a new era in military air power. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and determination of the men and women who designed, built, and flew these remarkable machines.
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