RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Martin 'Sammy' Sampson unveiled the aircraft in the presence of a number of the people that had made the vision become a reality.
XS897 has been loaned to 29(R) Sqn by Lakes Lightning, and the company's owner, Neil Airey had the following to say:
"We were incredibly pleased to be able to assist 29 Squadron, and be in a position to supply the Lightning to them"
The significant renovation to the aircraft has been supported by BAE Systems and Retro Aviation, among other organisations.
Officer Commanding 29 (R) Squadron, Wing Commander Al Seymour said:
"As OC 29 I'd like to say thank you to all of you; it is your hard work and goodwill which has been instrumental in bringing this magnificent beast to the condition it is in today."
Squadron Leader (Rtd) Clive Rowley, a former Lightning and Tornado F.3 pilot who also commanded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), flew XS897 when it was in RAF service:
"When we finished on the Lightning and moved to the F.3, many of us felt that although the F.3 turned into a fine aircraft, it wasn't the natural heir to the Lightning. The Typhoon truly is, and therefore it is tremendous to see a second Lightning airframe here at Coningsby, the home of the Typhoon."
2011-12-11 - Joseph O'Beirne
Amazing pictures of this beautiful Lightning. Spot On. :-)
2011-12-10 - Alan Longstaff
They've done a brilliant job on the paint scheme, looks a lot different to the last time I was there! I know some of the guys who did the work were there, to represent the team.
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