When the English Electric Lightning entered RAF service with No.74 Squadron at Coltishall in June 1960, Britain had its first true supersonic interceptor and one of the most potent fighting aeroplanes the world had ever seen.
Charged with protecting Britain from aerial attack, everything about a Lightning mission involved speed, with pilots using the blistering climb performance of the aircraft to mount a ‘supersonic dash’ to the target, returning to base, refuelling and rearming before repeating the process if the situation dictated. As one of the most famous squadrons of the Royal Air Force, No.74 ‘Tiger’ Squadron can trace its history back to 1 July 1917.
As the Squadron selected to welcome the Lightning into frontline service in the summer of 1960, the ‘Tigers’ went on to operate the F.3 variant, T.4 and T.5 trainers, along with the ultimate F.6 fighter version of the Lightning. Indeed, No.74 Squadron was to be the first unit equipped with the definitive F.6 version of the aircraft, which was capable of being fitted with over-wing tanks to extend the operating range of this potent fighter and resulted in the squadron being assigned to the RAF Far East Air Force, based at Tengah in Singapore.
Renowned die-cast model producer Corgi is proud to present an immaculately detailed die-cast replica of the English Electric Lightning F6 XS927/N RAF No.74 Squadron ‘The Tigers’, RAF Tengah, Singapore, 1969. This 1:48 scale model has a wingspan of 220mm and is 1 of a limited-edition run of 2,000 pieces. This issue History of War subscribers have the exclusive chance to win one these exquisite models, which is worth £131.99.
To find more information on the fantastic range of Corgi products, please visit: www.corgi.co.uk
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