RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War

An illustrated study of the Lightning Jet Fighter and its eventful operational history as the RAF's star aircraft of the Cold War era.

The Mach 2-capable English Electric Lightning is perhaps the most iconic RAF aeroplane of the Cold War. Boasting a massive increase in performance and improved radar and weapons systems over its predecessors, the Lightning brought new capabilities to the RAF’s air defences. Tactics were adapted to fit the aircraft, including incorporating air-to-air refuelling as a routine part of operations because of the Lightning’s notoriously short range.

Retired fighter pilot Mike Napier draws on first-hand accounts from RAF aviators to tell the story of Britain’s ultimate Cold War jet fighter. Covering everything from the Lightning’s exercises with other NATO air forces to its interception of Soviet long-range ‘Badger’ and ‘Bear’ bombers in the late 1960s, this volume complements the aircraft’s colourful operational history with 20 profile artworks and photography from both official and personal archives.