A truly stunning build of a stunning from modelling friend Daniel Vega Lightning F1A Royal Air Force , N°56 Squadron , Wattisham , UK .  British aircraft designed to intercept Warsaw Pact Nuclear bombers by English Electric Lightning  Britain's first Mach 2 fighter, born from a late 1940s design, was also Britain's last entirely home-grown Mach 2 aircraft. Surviving the cancellation of so many other types in 1957, it did so only through sleight of hand on the part of its makers and went on to serve the RAF for over 40 years. It was also a limited export success, kick starting a series of ever larger deals with Saudi Arabia. Fully loaded with noise and spectacle, the Lightning's primary task throughout much of its RAF career was to protect the valuable V-bomber bases from any Soviet attack. Flamboyant colour schemes and sparkling performance meant that the type became a firm favourite with the public and enthusiasts alike. 

BAE Lightning F1A Royal Air Force , N°56 Squadron , Wattisham , UK .

1916 - Formed at Gosport.

1917 -  First Squadron to fly Royal Aircraft Factory S.E. 5a.

1941 - First squadron to fly Hawker Typhoon.

1954 - First, and only, unit to fly the Supermarine Swift Mk.1 and Mk.2.

1963 - Fighter Command's official demonstration team, flying aerobatics with Lightning Mk.1A interceptors.

2008 - Squadron hangs up its fighter boots, taking on the role of Air C2ISR Test and Evaluation Squadron.