Lightning F.2/F.2A XN728
Two words, Lightning & Binbrook. Say either to those in the aviation world of a certain age group and there will be a reaction. So when you put the two words together that is a recipe guaranteed to create alot of interest.
In May 2014, Lightning F.2A XN728 moved to the historic home of the Lightning at the former RAF Binbrook.
Well known for having been a landmark beside the A1 at Balderton, the cockpit of the aircraft has been saved for preservation and restoration. Initially rescued by Mark Rumble the cockpit has now passed to Darren Swinn who will be undertaking the restoration works.
The aim of this webpage is to show the stages of restoration as progress is made with photos being shown here -
Link to XN728's Restoration Page
Aircraft History
In May 2014, Lightning F.2A XN728 moved to the historic home of the Lightning at the former RAF Binbrook.
Well known for having been a landmark beside the A1 at Balderton, the cockpit of the aircraft has been saved for preservation and restoration. Initially rescued by Mark Rumble the cockpit has now passed to Darren Swinn who will be undertaking the restoration works.
The aim of this webpage is to show the stages of restoration as progress is made with photos being shown here -
Link to XN728's Restoration Page
Aircraft History
- XN728 was built as an F.2 and first flew on 26 October 1961 in the hands of T.M.S Ferguson
- January 1963 the aircraft was with No 92 Squadron coded B at RAF Leconfield
- September 1964 XN728 flew at SBAC Farnborough as part of a six ship formation
- December 1965 moved with 92 Squadron to RAF Gielenkirchen in West Germany
- 9 January 1968 suffered Cat 4 damage after sinking back onto the runway during take off from Gienlekirchen
- 3 April 1968 transported to Warton by Belfast for repairs and conversion to F.2A standard
- 24 June 1969 loan to the Ministry Of Technology at A&AEE trialling IFF/SSR equipment
- 23 July 1969 returned to No 92 Squadron at RAF Gutersloh coded (F later V)
- 2 September 1970 to Warton for Fire Modification works
- 4 May 1972 Avpin explosion at Leeuwarden resulting in Cat 3 damage - repaired onsite by 43 MU
- 13 July 1972 returned to No 92 Squadron
- 1 April 1977 SOC and flown to RAF Coningsby with F.2A XN774 4 April 1977 for decoy duties having flown 3008 hours
- 19 October 1983 sold to A1 Commercials and placed on display by the side of the A1 road. During the following years the aircraft was effectively abandoned and left to fall into a state of disrepair. In September 2011 the aircraft was scrapped with the cockpit being saved for preservation.
Images of XN728 as an F.2
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