Home of the Lightning Association

The Lightning Association was formed in the year following the aircraft’s retirement from RAF service in the spring of 1988, when a 'Lightning Rally' for all lightning enthusiasts as well as aircrew and ground crew was organised at the former RAF Binbrook on 2nd July 1989. The event turned out to be such a great success, that out of it the Lightning Association was born.

The purpose of this website is to document not only the airframes under our care but also the Lightning Association itself. It provides the latest updates on the ongoing work conducted on our various aircraft, as well as general information about the Association and upcoming activities and events. Although XR724 is the primary focus of the Lightning Association, we are also responsible for the maintenance of three static aircraft: XM192, XR725, and XS899. While these aircraft are not owned by the Association, they are owned by our chairman, Charles Ross. Further information about each of these aircraft can be found within this website.

Over the past several years, the pace and direction of both the Association and our work on the airframes we maintain have steadily accelerated. This progress has prompted a reassessment of our approach to balancing the care of all the airframes, as well as promoting all aspects of Lightning-related activities. Our ultimate goal is to restore XR724 to full operational status, allowing it to once again resonate across the Lincolnshire Wolds. Updates on our ongoing efforts regarding the aircraft and its surroundings will be shared on this website, our various social media platforms, and our YouTube channel. Links to these platforms can be found at the bottom of the page.

To finalise this website, we offer a comprehensive collection of information on the Lightning aircraft. This includes firsthand accounts from pilots as well as detailed data on every individual airframe ever constructed. Additionally, we feature one of the largest online collections of Lightning images, boasting over 500 photographs across various marks. All of this and more can be accessed in the 'Appendix' section.

In closing, we would like to express our gratitude for visiting our website and for your interest in our work. If you wish to contribute to the maintenance of XR724, please feel free to click on the link below. Thank you for your support.