The final British Lightning was the Lightning F.2A. This was an F.2 upgraded with the CLE (Cambered Leading Edge) wing, the squared fin, and the 610 imperial gallons (2,773 litres) ventral tank, similar to the Mark 6. The F.2A retained the A.I.23 and Firestreak missile combination, the two Aden cannon in the nose, but was powered by two modified RA.24R Avon 211R engines. These produced 14,140lbs (6,414kg/62,60kN) with reheat each. Although the F.2A lacked the thrust of the F.3 and F.6 Lightnings, it had the longest tactical range of all Lightning variants with an exemplary safety record. The F.2A served the RAF in two units: No. 19 and 92 Squadrons at RAF Gütersloh where they were employed in the low-altitude interception role close to the inner-German border. The concept of operations for the Lightning squadrons in Germany were significantly different from the employment of the home-based Lightning units.
A total of 31 F.2 aircraft were converted to F.6-standard under the designation F.2A: XN724, XN726 tot 727, XN730 to 733, XN735, XN771 to 778, XN780 to 784, XN786 to 793 and XN795.
The first F.2 for conversion (XN781) arrived at Warton on 13 September 1966. It re-entered service with No.19 Squadron as an F.2A on 26 February 1968.
- Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
- First Flight:
- Initial Service Date:
26 February 1968
- No. Built:
31
- No. In Service:
0
- No. of Hardpoints:
2
- Crew:
1