The British fighter jet capable of breaking the sound barrier while flying straight up
In short: The English Electric Lightning was a technological marvel that redefined RAF performance. With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, this twin-engine interceptor could stand on its tail and accelerate past Mach 1 in a vertical climb. This video explores the design, history, and a bizarre, accidental flight involving a pilot with no jet experience.
Developed to usher the RAF into the supersonic era, the English Electric Lightning was a single-seat, sweep-wing aircraft capable of reaching twice the speed of sound. Its performance was so advanced that it could achieve supersonic speeds even while climbing vertically.
The video also highlights the specific Lightning XM135 on display at IWM Duxford. It recounts the 1966 incident involving Wing Commander Walter 'Taffy' Holden, who inadvertently took off in the aircraft despite lacking a canopy, radio, functional ejector seat, or any prior experience flying jets.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The British fighter that could exceed Mach 1 in a vertical climb
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