Trumpeter 1/72 01635 Lightning F.MK.3

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01635 Lightning F.Mk.3

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01635
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: British RAF English Electric (BAC) Lightning F.Mk.3 Single-Seat Supersonic Interceptor
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Approx 233.13mm ×148.06mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 72 plastic parts
• Clear transparent parts for single-seat bubble cockpit canopy and missile seeker windows
• Twin Rolls-Royce Avon 301R turbojet engine and exhaust nozzle assemblies
• Two Red Top air-to-air missile components
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced Lightning F.Mk.3, major upgraded variant of Britain’s iconic stacked twin-engine supersonic interceptor
• Faithfully modelled more powerful Avon 301R engines and distinctive larger, square-topped vertical stabiliser
• Fully detailed single-seat cockpit with instrument panel, ejection seat and harness details
• Central shock cone intake fitted with AI.23B fire-control radar
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, compound delta wings and empennage
• Main armament is two Red Top all-aspect infrared air-to-air missiles; this variant removes the 30mm ADEN cannons to reduce weight
• Optional movable flaps and airbrake configuration
• Precise tricycle landing gear with detailed wheel wells, heavy-duty struts and wheels
• Replicated over-wing fuel tank mounting points
• Multiple marking options for Royal Air Force interceptor squadrons such as No.56 Sqn and No.74 Sqn

Historical Background

• The Lightning F.Mk.3 was the key upgraded version of the Lightning family, first flown in June 1962 and entered RAF service in April 1964.
• It was equipped with upgraded Avon 301R afterburning turbojet engines and improved AI.23B radar, capable of reaching Mach 2.
• Replaced the older Firestreak missile with the advanced Red Top all-aspect air-to-air missile, and removed the internal cannon to save weight for better climb performance.
• Its enlarged square-top fin was redesigned to cope with aerodynamic loads from the Red Top missiles.
• Primary mission was high-speed point defence interception against Soviet strategic bombers approaching UK airspace.
• A total of 70 airframes were built; several F.Mk.3 airframes were later converted to F.Mk.6 standard with extended range. The F.3 served RAF frontline squadrons until the late 1970s.