Reference

The English Electric Lightning is a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, the 1970s and into the late 1980s. ... On 29 March 1949 the MoS granted approval to start the detailed design, develop wind tunnel models and build a full ... In addition to its training and operational roles, 74 Squadron was appointed ...

This section contains a detailed description of both the design and development of the BAC/English Electric lightning aircraft. ... The Lightning's progression to an operational status had begun. In due course, on 29 June 1960, 74 'Tiger' Squadron received its first F.1, XM165, at Coltishall, starting a service career for the Lightning ...

Royal Air Force Lightning Force build-up. The English Electric Lightning F.1 entered service with 74 Squadron in June 1960 at RAF Coltishall. Armament comprised two nose-mounted 30mm ADEN cannon and two Firestreak missiles. The jets' Avon 200 engines had staged reheat, with four-position nozzle control in the reheat range.