English Electric / BAC Lightning F.6
British Aircraft Corporation · United Kingdom · first flew 1966 · fighter
The Lightning F.6 is the definitive operational mark with a greatly enlarged ventral fuel tank, cambered wing leading edges and multi-weapon compatibility, extending both range and capability over early variants.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large squared-off ventral fuel tank extending nearly the full fuselage length — far bigger than the narrower tank on F.1/F.2/F.3 |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large squared-off ventral fuel tank extending nearly the full fuselage length — far bigger than the narrower tank on F.1/F.2/F.3
- Cambered and kinked leading-edge on the outer wing section replacing the straight leading edge of early marks
- Two overwing ferry tanks (when fitted) give an unmistakable double-hump silhouette from the front
The F.6 is told from earlier Lightning marks by its much larger flat-bottomed ventral tank stretching from nose wheel to tail — nearly doubling visible underside area. The cambered outer wing leading edge gives a kinked look from above, and overwingtanks (when fitted) make the front-view unique.
Specifications
- The English Electric / BAC Lightning F.6 has a length of 16.84 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.61 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2100 km/h (1305 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The F.6 entered RAF service in 1965–66 as the answer to the Lightning's chronic fuel shortage; its squared-off composite ventral tank held both fuel and two Red Top missiles, replacing the narrow gun pack of earlier marks. Cambered outer wing leading edges improved manoeuvrability. The F.6 served as Britain's primary QRA interceptor until 1988.
Variants
Saudi Arabia received the F.53 export equivalent with optional ground-attack provisions and the same enlarged ventral tank. The two-seat T.55 was the Saudi trainer. UK F.2As were updated to near-F.6 standard with the squared ventral tank but retained early-mark avionics.
Where you'll see it
F.6s equipped 5, 11 and 23 Squadrons at RAF Binbrook until the Lightning's 1988 retirement, running QRA from the Lincolnshire airfield. The Lightning's career defending UK airspace against Soviet bombers is well documented. Airworthy examples are maintained by the Lightning Preservation Group at Bruntingthorpe.
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