The early 1950s were a boom time for British aviation. The lessons of six years of war had been learned and much of the research into jet engines, radar and aerodynamics had begun to reach fruition. In Britain, jet engine technology led the world, while wartime developments into swept wing design in Germany and their transonic research program were used to give western design teams a quantum leap in aircraft technology. At English Electric, 'Teddy' Petter's design team were keen to capitalize on the success of their Canberra jet bomber and rose to the challenge of providing a high speed interceptor for the RAF. Martin W. Bowman describes the career of the Lightning in detail using first-hand accounts of what it was like to fly and service this thoroughbred. Illustrated with over 200 color and b/w photographs, appendices listing Lightning squadrons, production totals, individual aircraft histories and with the first in-depth analysis into why a third of all Lightnings were lost, The Men Who Flew the English Electric Lightning is a fine record of the last truly great all-British fighter.

Martin Bowman tells the story of the iconic Cold War fighter from first prototype to the present day, with many previously-unpublished images as well as narrative from the men who flew Britain's finest post-war fighter.

When Andrew's family moves house, he strikes up an unexpected friendship with his neighbour Victor. There isn't a thing Victor doesn't know about the RAF planes flying overhead and the two boys are soon busy tracking their movements. Then Andrew discovers that Victor's beloved Lightnings are due to be scrapped... Thunder and Lightnings won the Carnegie Medal in 1976.

Enjoying continuous frontline service with the RAF for nearly 30 years, the supersonic English Electric Lightning jet was the Spitfire of its era and the last of a special breed of fighter aircraft: single-seat, all-British, magnificently overpowered and possessing delightful handling qualities. During its lifetime it became the favourite mount for jet fighter pilots and thrilled the crowds at countless air displays with its spectacular speed and awesome performance. Former Lightning pilot Ian Black brings a level of level of insight into operating the Lightning that is second to none.

Englands første supersoniske luftforsvarsjager kom til verden omkring det tidspunkt, den engelske regering erklærede, at det bemandede flys dage var talte. Forfatteren, der varetog prøveflyvningerne, fortæller om flyets 35 år lange historie.