Trumpeter 1/72 01634 Lightning F.1A/F.2

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01634 Lightning F.1A/F.2

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01634
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: British RAF English Electric (BAC) Lightning F.1A / F.2 Single-Seat Supersonic Interceptor
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Approx 240mm ×152mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 140 plastic parts
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Clear transparent parts for single-seat bubble cockpit canopy
• Twin Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine and exhaust nozzle assemblies
• Fuselage belly weapons pack, Firestreak air-to-air missile components
• Detachable inflight refuelling probe parts
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced early Lightning F.1A and F.2 variants, Britain’s unique stacked twin-engine supersonic interceptor
• Faithfully modelled distinctive vertically staggered twin Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines
• Fully detailed single-seat cockpit with instrument panel, ejection seat and harness details
• Central cone intake housing Ferranti AIRPASS fire-control radar
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, compound delta wings and empennage
• Modular belly pack options: 30mm ADEN cannon pack or pack fitted for Firestreak infrared air-to-air missiles
• F.1A version includes wing-mounted air refuelling probe; F.2 variant features small spine air scoop detail
• Optional movable flaps and airbrake configuration
• Precise tricycle landing gear with detailed wheel wells, heavy-duty struts and wheels
• Multiple marking options for Royal Air Force air defence squadrons, including UK and Germany-based units

Historical Background

• The English Electric Lightning was the only fully British-designed Mach 2 supersonic fighter interceptor, built to defend UK airspace against Soviet bombers during the Cold War.
• The F.1A entered service in 1961, upgraded from F.1 with UHF radio and an air refuelling probe, retaining Avon 210R engines and Firestreak missile capability.
• Lightning F.2 arrived in 1962, featuring improved variable afterburners, revised oxygen and navigation systems; many F.2 airframes were later rebuilt to F.2A standard.
• Its unusual vertically stacked twin-engine layout delivered exceptional climb rate, although internal fuel capacity was limited, restricting combat endurance.
• Armed with two 30mm ADEN cannons and Firestreak air-to-air missiles, it was tasked for high-speed point interception. Early F.1A/F.2 were gradually replaced by Lightning F.3 in frontline RAF service from the mid-1960s.