Specs, individual airframe info and images for the F.3 . . .

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Lightning F.3

XP694; C/N 95117 ff R.P. Beamont 1-5-63 Samlesbury. Used on F 3 DB programme; to Boscombe Down 4-7-64 for F 3 appraisal. Used by Ferranti for AI23B programme. To full F 3 standard before dispatch to 60 MU. To 29 Squadron and then to Binbrook with the LAF and No 11 Squadron, 1983. Remains at Otterburn Training Area, Northumberland.

XP695; C/N 95119 ff R.P. Beamont 20-6-63 Samlesbury. To the CFE Binbrook, 1-1-64; to Warton, 3-7-67, for full F 3 mods. To 111 Squadron (L), 9-72. 11 Squadron Binbrook, 1983.

XP696; C/N 95120 ff J.L. Dell 2-7-63 Samlesbury. To the CFE Binbrook, 15-1-64; to Boscombe Down for Red Top trials, 16-2-66 to 5-6-67; to Warton for full F 3 modifications; to 226 OCU, 8-72.

XP697; C/N 95151 ff D.M. Knight 18-7-63 Samlesbury. First flight minus ventral tank. To Bristol for full F 6 conversion, 13-8-63; first flight as F 6, 17-4-64 (R.P. Beamont). Used on programme for 2-in rocket and large ventral-tank tests, and over-wing-tank support programme. MoD(PE) Warton, 1981, static tests.

XP698; C/N 95152 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 28-8-63 Samlesbury. To Boscombe Down, 5-3-64; then to 56 and 29 Squadrons. Mid-air collision at night with XP747 on 16-2-72. Crashed in sea 40 miles east of Ipswich; Flt Lt P. Reynolds ejected safely. Hours flown 1360h.

XP699; C/N 95153 ff D. de Villiers 2-9-63 Samlesbury. To Boscombe Down, 10-4-64; to Wheelus Air Force Base on F 3 Tropical Trials. Crashed near Wethersfield, 3-3-67, on flight from Wattisham. Flying Officer Pearse ejected safely. Total flights 367, hours flown 299h 30m.

XP700; C/N 95154 ff D. de Villiers 6-6-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron 14-4-64 (A); to 29 Squadron 7-72. Crashed, 7-8-72, damaged tail bumper and ventral tank on take-off. Flt Lt E. Fenton ejected. Wreckage landed at Newton Nr Sudbury. Hours flown 1653h 15m.

XP701; C/N 95155 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 14-9-63 Samlesbury. Used on undercarriage tests prior to introduction of Modification 4051. To 29 Squadron, 8-9-67; to 111 Squadron. Code BN with 11 Squadron, 1983, Binbrook. This aircraft had a long history of intake vibration, eventually traced to loose ballast weights in nose. Currently at Robertsbridge Aviation Society, Mayfield, Sussex

XP702; C/N 95156 ff D. de Villiers 19-9-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 14-5-64; then to 56 Squadron, 60 MU and 29 Squadron. At Binbrook, 1983. Remains at Otterburn Training Area, Northumberland.

XP703; C/N 95157 ff D. de Villiers 28-9-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 8-6-64; then to 29 Squadron in 1972; MoD(PE) Warton, 1981.Cockpit Section only, Ground Procedures Trainer. LPG, Bruntingthorpe Airfield Leics.

XP704; C/N 95158 ff R.P. Beamont 17-10-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron (H), 15-6-64. Crashed at Leuchars, 28-8-64, while practising aerobatics. Pilot, Flt Lt Owen, killed. Hours flown 36h 40m.

XP705; C/N 95159 ff D. de Villiers 12-10-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, then to 23 Squadron (K) and 29 Squadron(L). Crashed in sea 35 miles from Akrotiri, 8-7-71; Flt Lt Clarke ejected safely. Hours flown 1854h.

XP706; C/N 95160 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 28-10-63 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 13-7-64; to 111 Squadron (F), 1972. 11 Squadron, Binbrook, 1981. Owned by Lincolnshire Lightning Preservation Society, Strubby Airfield, Lincs. Then to Bomber County Aviation Museum, Helmswell 30/1/1999, then to Aeroadventure, Doncaster 11/2002.

XP707; C/N 95161 ff R.P. Beamont 13-11-63 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 18/19-8-64. With XP708, first Lightning’s for 23 Squadron. To 226 OCU; then storage at Filton in 1974; with 11 Squadron, Binbrook, 1983.

XP708; C/N 95162 ff R.P. Beamont 20-11-63 Samlesbury. See XP707. To 29 Squadron (N) in 1972. Remains. DTEO, Pendine Ranges, nr Tenby, Wales.

XP735; C/N 95163 ff R.P. Beamont 4-12-63 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 17-9-64; to 29 Squadron (J). Overshot into barrier, due brake failure, 13-5-74. Remains. DTEO, Pendine Ranges, nr Tenby, Wales.

XP736; C/N 95164 ff D. de Villiers 13-12-63 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron; then to 29 Squadron (G). Crashed into sea off Cromer, 22-9-71; pilot, Flg Off Mottershead, killed. Hours flown 1510h.

XP737; C/N 95165 ff R.P. Beamont 1-1-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 21-10-64. To BAC Filton for storage, 2-9-74.

XP738; C/N 95166 ff R.P. Beamont 18-1-64 Samlesbury. 4-11-64 to 33 MU. 7-11-64 " G " 111 Sqn. 9-8-68 to 60 MU. 2-4-69 " E " 111 Sqn, wheels up landing at RAF Wattisham resulted in damage beyond economical repair. Stripped for spare 6-74

XP739; C/N 95167 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 20-1-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU, 12-11-64; then to 111 Squadron. Crashed near Wattisham at Battisford, 29-9-65. Flt Lt Molland ejected safely. Hours flown 176h 45m.

XP740; C/N 95168 ff D. de Villiers 1-2-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 30-12-64. Cat 4 damage at Binbrook, 1-70; back to 111 Squadron after repair.

XP741; C/N 95169 ff R.P. Beamont 4-2-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron (D), 22-12-64. With 11 Group, 1981. Burnt at DFSCTE, RAF Manston, Ramsgate, Kent by 1994.

XP742; C/N 95170 ff D.M. Knight 12-2-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 10-2-65. Crashed in sea, east of Great Yarmouth, 7-5-70. Flying Officer Tulloch ejected safely. Hours flown 1258h.

XP743; C/N 95171 ff D. de Villiers 18-2-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU, 18-2-65. 15/12/1995 sold as scrap to J Shackleton & Co, Siddal, Halifax, cockpit to No 351 Sqdn ATC, Burton on Trent then to Wattisham Museum 2009. Now owned by Ken Hayward and located at Norfolk and Suffolk Aircraft Museum

XP744; C/N 95172 ff R.P. Beamont 25-2-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU, 9-3-65; to 56 Squadron. Crashed in sea near Akrotiri, 10-5-71. Flt Lt R.D. Cole ejected safely. Hours flown 1304h 45m.

XP745; C/N 95173 ff D. de Villiers 18-3-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 20-5-65; to 29 Squadron (H), 1972. Gate guardian, RAF Boulmer, 8453M, 1981. Cockpit Section only, Owned by Vanguard Vanguard Self Storage, Redfield, Bristol.

XP746; C/N 95174 ff D. de Villiers 26-3-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 15-4-65; to 111 Squadron (J), 1972.

XP747; C/N 95175 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 8-5-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 25-6-65. Cat 4 damage on 11-5-66, when aircraft ran off runway; repaired and returned to 29 Squadron. Crashed in sea after collision with XP698 16-2-72; pilot, Flt Lt Cooper, killed. Hours flown 1320h.

XP748; C/N 95176 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 4-5-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 4-8-65; to 11 Squadron by 12-73. Gate guardian at Binbrook, 8446M, 1981. Remains; no outer wings but intact. DTEO, Pendine Ranges, nr Tenby Wales.

XP749; C/N 95177 ff D.M. Knight 11-12-63 Samlesbury. To the CFE, Binbrook; modified apart from large tank to F 6, 8-4-64; to 111 Squadron (K) during 1972, with 11 Group, 1981.

XP750; C/N 95178 ff R.P. Beamont 3-1-64 Samlesbury. To the CFE, Binbrook; modified to F 6 standard, 26-3-64; to 111 Squadron (H) in 1972, 11 Group, 1981 (AQ) at Binbrook, 1983.

XP751; C/N 95179 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 16-3-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron; first full F 3 delivered for squadron service. To 111 Squadron (L) and 29 Squadron (L), 1972. With 5 Squadron (AQ) Binbrook, 1983.

XP752; C/N 95180 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 20-4-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 1-6-64 and with 111 Squadron. Cat 5 damage after collision with French air force Mirage 111 over Colmer, 20-5-71. Used as spares and instructional airframe, 8166M.

XP753; C/N 95181 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 8-5-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 23-6-64; to 29 Squadron (H), 1972. From 60 MU to 11 Squadron (L), 1973. With the LTF, Binbrook, 1983, code ‘DC’. Crashed off Scarborough, 26-8-83. Pilot, Flt Lt Thompson, killed.

XP754; C/N 95182 ff D. de Villiers 5-6-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 31-7-64; then to 111 Squadron (R), in 1972.

XP755; C/N 95183 ff D. de Villiers 15-6-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 31-7-64; to 29 Squadron (E), 1972.

XP756; C/N 95184 ff R.P. Beamont 22-6-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 24-8-64. Crashed in sea off Great Yarmouth, 25-1-71. Capt Povilus USAF ejected safely.

XP757; C/N 95185 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 4-7-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 25-9-64; to 29 Squadron (M), 1972. Sold as scrap 11/12/1975 to J Shackleton of Halifax, Nose section to Martyn Steele, Stamford, Lincolnshire

XP758; C/N 95186 ff D. de Villiers 10-7-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 14-9-64; to 111 Squadron (S), 1972.

XP759; C/N 95187 ff D. de Villiers 14-8-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 1-10-64; damaged after engine fire, 29-8-73, but returned to service.

XP760; C/N 95188 ff R.P. Beamont 26-8-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 15-10-64. Crashed in sea 24-8-66 35 nautical miles from Seahouses. Flt Lt Turley ejected safely. Hours flown 428h 5m.

XP761; C/N 95189 ff D. de Villiers 26-8-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 27-10-64; to 111 Squadron (N), 1972. Used in camouflage trials at Binbrook, 1981. Became 8438M. On fire dump in 10-82.

XP762; C/N 95190 ff D. de Villiers 3-9-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron (C), 26-1-65.

XP763; C/N 95191 ff D. de Villiers 11-9-64 Samlesbury. To 23 Squadron, 27-10-64; to 29 Squadron (P), 1972.

XP764; C/N 95192 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 19-9-64 Samlesbury. To 74 Squadron, 3-11-64; to 29 Squadron (C), 1972; to 5 Squadron by 12-73; with the LTF, Binbrook, 1981; 5 Squadron (AR), Binbrook, 1983.

XP765; C/N 95193 ff D. de Villiers 26-9-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU Lyneham, 27-11-64; to 56 Squadron (N), and 29 Squadron (A). Damaged on 5-1-68, after engaging barrier at Wattisham, repaired and returned.

XR711; C/N 95194 ff D. de Villiers 6-10-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 2-12-64. Destroyed at Wattisham, 29-10-71, after dropping onto runway just after take-off. Flt Lt Steenson uninjured. Aircraft removed to fire dump. Hours flown 1667h 25m.

XR712; C/N 95195 ff D. de Villiers 12-10-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU; to 111 Squadron (B). Crashed, 26-6-65, in sea off Padstow after display at Exeter. Flt Lt Doyle ejected safely. Hours flown 145h.

XR713; C/N 95196 ff D. de Villiers 21-10-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron (A), 8-1-65. With 5 Squadron (S), in 3-76; coded ‘AR’ with 5 Squadron, Binbrook, 1983. Currently at RAF Leuchars, Fife. 111 Sqn Markings. Now owned by LPG, Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome, Lutterworth, Leicestershire,

XR714; C/N 95197 ff D. de Villiers 14-11-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 8-1-65. Crashed, 29-6-66, at Akrotiri during formation take-off. Repaired and returned.

XR715; C/N 95198 ff D. de Villiers 14-11-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 8-1-65; to 29 Squadron (R), in 1972; crashed Blyford Green, 13-2-74; remains to the RAE, Farnborough.

XR716; C/N 95199 ff D. de Villiers 19-11-64 Samlesbury. To 111 Squadron, 4-2-65. Lightning Augmentation Flight, Binbrook, 1983; 5 Squadron (AS); 1983, inactive. Remains removed from RAF Cottesmore, Leics. 14-4-94.

XR717; C/N 95200 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 25-11-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 26-3-65. In store, Boscombe Down, 8-74. Boscombe fire dump, 1981.

XR718; C/N 95201 ff D. de Villiers 14-12-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 1-4-65. To the BAC, Filton, 29-8-74, for storage pending disposal. 5 Squadron, Binbrook, 1983. 2/7/1992 owned by Blyth Valley Aviation Collection, Wapole Suffolk, under restoration Ex BDRT. Removed by road 26/9/2005 to a Anthony Harker - Darlington, North Yorkshire

XR719; C/N 95202 ff D. de Villiers 18-12-64 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 16-3-65. To Shoeburyness on 9-8-66; used for instructional purposes, Coltishall, 1974.

XR720; C/N 95203 ff J.K. Isherwood 24-12-64 Samlesbury. To 33 MU, 29-3-65; to 11 Squadron (M), 12-73; with the LTF as DA, Binbrook, 1983.

XR721; C/N 95204 ff D. de Villiers 5-1-65 Samlesbury. To 56 Squadron, 8-4-65. Crashed on approach to Bentwaters after both engines failed, 5-1-66. Pilot, Flg Off D. Law, killed. Hours flown 220h 50m.

XR722: G27-2; 53-666; C/N 95205 ff D. de Villiers 23-1-65 Samlesbury. Modified to full Saudi Arabian F 53 standard; used for development on SNEB bomb trials. To Saudi Arabian air base, Khamis Mushayt, 5-12-69; to No 2 Squadron, code 201. Crashed, 6-2-72, while on loan to 6 Squadron. Capt Mohammed Saud unhurt. Hours flown 364h.

XR723; C/N 95206 ff D. de Villiers 2-2-65 Samlesbury. To Warton as F 3, fully converted there to F 6; to 11 Squadron, 9-6-67; then to 5 Squadron (L), and 23 Squadron (K). SOC, 18-9-79.

XR724; C/N 95207 ff D. de Villiers 10-2-65 Samlesbury. Built as F 3; converted to F 6 before despatch to 11 Squadron, 16-6-67. Inactive at Binbrook, 1983. Then flown with 11 squadron, till shipped to BAe Warton for use in trials until flown to RAF Shawbury for disposal, Currently owned by the Lightning Association, RAF Binbrook Lincs. ( Fully Working Aircraft )

XR725; C/N 95208 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 19-2-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6 before delivery to 74 Squadron; also with 56 Squadron (Y), in Cyprus. Inactive at Binbrook, 1983. Currently owned by Charles Ross Binbrook Lincs.

XR726; C/N 95209 ff D. de Villiers 26-2-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6; to 60 MU, 12-7-67; to 5 Squadron (N); damaged in fire at Binbrook, 19-10-73. With LTF(DF), 1983, at Binbrook. Sold for scrap to TVI Doncaster 1992, then cockpit section purchased by private collector in Harrogate, Nth Yorkshire. Cockpit internals only, now owned by a privately owner - C/O Binbrook, Lincolnshire

XR727; C/N 95210 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 8-3-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6, to 23 Squadron, 15-9-67; to 23 and 11 Squadrons. At Binbrook, 1983. Last reported has having been scrapped at Wildenwrath , Germany.

XR728; C/N 95211 ff D. de Villiers 17-3-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6; to 23 Squadron, 1-11-67; to 56 and 11 Squadrons, Binbrook, 1983. Currently owned by the Lightning Preservation Group ( fully Working Aircraft )

XR747; C/N 95212 ff D. de Villiers 2-4-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6; to 23 Squadron, 4-1-68. At Binbrook, 1981. Sold for scrap to TVI Doncaster, then cockpit section sold for restoration to Barry Pover / Ernie Marshall, Lightning Flying Club, c/o Plymouth Executive Aviation, City Airport,Plymouth, Devon. Privately owned by Mr. A Pickles - was on loan to 20 (Bideford) Sqn ATC for restoration

XR748; C/N 95213 ff R.P. Beamont 13-4-65 Samlesbury. Partially converted to F 6 but then ‘demodified’ to F 3. First flight aborted; first flight after modification, 14-6-67. To 60 MU. Crashed 24-6-74. Pilot ejected safely.

XR749; C/N 95214 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 30-4-65 Samlesbury. Converted to F 6 but returned to F 3 standard before delivery to 56 Squadron, 4-10-67. To 5 Squadron (Q) (BM) with 11 Squadron, Binbrook, 1983. Completely re-skinned 12-82. currently owned by Ken Ward, N. Yorks Aircraft Recovery Centre, Chopgate, N.Yorks. 19/12//1993 Aircraft on display at Teeside Airport. ( Ex Middleton St George ). To a private collector in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland during 2003. Now owned by Score Group PLC, Glenugie Engineering Works, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

XR750; C/N 95215 ff R.P. Beamont 10-5-65 Samlesbury. To 60 MU as F 3, 9-10-67.

XR751; C/N 95216 ff J.K. Isherwood 31-5-65 Samlesbury. To 60 MU as F 3, to 5 Squadron (R), in 1973; inactive at Binbrook, 1983. To Roy Flood, Lower Tremar, St Cleer, Liskeard,Cornwall 24/6/1998. to Everett Aero, Sproughton 12/8/2008, to Queensbury, Nth Yorkshire on 2/2009, reduced to nose section moved to Selby, Nth Yorkshire 7/2001. Last known location was with Jet Art Aviation

Lightning F.3a

XP693; C/N 95116 ff J.L. Dell 16-6-62 Samlesbury. Converted to Mk 3A standard used on development-batch programme. To Boscombe Down, 1-11-67; to Warton, 19-1-68. MRCA trials (avionics), 1972, and gun trials at Boscombe Down, 1974. With MoD(PE) Warton, 1981; with 5 and 11 Squadrons, Binbrook, 1983. Purchased by Barry Pover from BAe Warton and flown to Exeter Airport for preservation and re-registered G-FSIX with a view to flying. Re-registered in South Africa by Classic Jets, as ZU-BEY, but has since been put up for tender