Stennis International Airport, Kiln Mississippi
The Cold War was a turning point for military aviation. Technology advanced quickly as NATO and the Soviet Union competed for control of the skies. Both sides worked to build faster, more powerful aircraft. Supersonic interceptors became essential to defend against nuclear bombers.
One of the most iconic aircraft from this era was the English Electric Lightning. It was designed to protect Britain from Soviet threats and entered Royal Air Force service in May 1960. The Lightning stayed on the front line into the 1980s. Known for its incredible climb rate, high altitude reach, and Mach 2 speed, it earned a reputation as a rocket with wings. Pilots often said flying it felt like “being saddled to a rocket.”
The Lightning’s design was just as bold as its performance. It used two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines stacked vertically inside the fuselage. A large nose intake fed both engines. The aircraft also featured a shoulder-mounted wing swept to 60 degrees, and an all-moving tailplane mounted low on the fuselage. These features gave the Lightning its sleek look and helped it stand out from other fighters.
Of the 300 Lightnings built, only a few can still taxi today. Just one remains in flying condition. The Anglo-American Lightning Organization (AALO) is working to restore a two-seat Lightning T.5 (XS422) to the air. Stennis International Airport held an open house in April 2020, giving visitors a rare, close-up view of this legendary aircraft. Seeing a Lightning fly again would be a powerful tribute to Cold War aviation and the people who made it possible.
Website: www.lightning422.com
Youtube: Lightning422
Originally expected to serve for only eight years, the English Electric Lightning shattered every prediction. This remarkable interceptor remained on the front line for nearly four decades, its cutting‑edge design—born at the height of the Cold War—proving far ahead of its time. Even forty years after its conception, the Lightning continued to stand guard until its final retirement in the late 1980s.
Bring this Cold War icon to your collection—prints available now.
As of March 2021, XS422 was still an impressive sight at Stennis International Airport. It remained capable of fast‑taxi runs along the nearly 8,500‑foot runway. This T‑5 Lightning once served with the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, UK. There, it helped train test pilots and supported important aircraft evaluation programs.
A standout feature of the Lightning’s design is its unusual engine layout. The aircraft uses two Rolls‑Royce Avon turbojet engines mounted vertically in a staggered configuration inside the fuselage. This innovative arrangement helped create the Lightning’s sleek profile and contributed to its remarkable performance
The Lightning T.5 was a rare two‑seat, side‑by‑side trainer, with only 22 ever built. It was created to prepare pilots for the Lightning’s raw power and extreme performance. During the Cold War, this variant played an important role in keeping pilots mission‑ready.
Add this rare trainer to your collection—archival prints available now.
The Lightning featured an all‑moving rear tailplane mounted beneath the fuselage. This design gave the aircraft excellent maneuverability and improved stability at high speeds. It was one of the innovations that helped the Lightning achieve its legendary performance.