Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 16:07:46 +0100 From: "John Hudson" <mypcnospam.com> Subject: Re: Maintain Your Identity - Saab
"Al" <alistairdorenospamo.com> wrote in message news:6scve.275$G2.144nospamnews.blueyonder.co.uk... > > "Pooh Bear" <rabbitsfriendsandrelationsnospamail.com> wrote in message > news:42BD2CC1.F8763C04nospamail.com... > > Al wrote: > > > >> "The spitfire was the last true fighter plane" > > > > Of course not - it was the English Electric Lightning ! ;-) > > > > http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/index.html > > > > Graham > > > > No No No! I was merely trying to point out that "purists" don't move on. > > As an air show buff, (see you at Waddington?) as well as a Saab fan I see > where you're going, the Lighting was indeed a superb aircraft, certainly > speed-wise. Did it ever see action though? (I don't know) > > The Spitfire did, and the sound of that Merlin, well I defy anyone to say > it doesn't move them! > > I have to admit the roar of any jet fighter on a low attack run can also be > pretty stirring! > > Al No action IIRC only escorting Russian planes away from the UK coast. I witnessed the Lightning when the prototype was being flown from Preston. Its ability to flick roll was astonishing and to an engineer it was a joy to watch. It was in a different league to a Spitfire which was a toy in comparison. Incidentally if you are interested in Merlins read 'Not Much of an Engineer' by Dr Stanley Hooker. The coincidence which enabled the Merlins power development is surprising.