Lightning Strike!

Lightning F6's of 51 Squadron (Firebirds) blasting into the evening sky.

With a power to weight ratio greater than one to one, the climb performance of these aircraft remains exceptional even today.

I was at an air show when the Lightnings arrived. One of them taxied into a roped off area in the crowd. There was much squealing, from the girls, as the jet exhaust blew at their skirts and re-arranged their hair. No health and safety concerns in those days! The pilot climbed out and spent a few minutes shooting the breeze, with the ground staff.

I tried to imagine what it must be like to be a handsome young man of 22 entrusted with, what had to be, the ultimate hotrod!

The painting is, 24” x 20” Acrylic on Canvas and is in the collection of the artist.