About
The English Electric Lightning F.6 was a distinctive British supersonic jet interceptor that entered service in December 1965. It was the final production variant of the Lightning series, designed primarily to defend against Soviet bombers with its unique stacked dual-engine configuration. Known for its powerful engines and remarkable climb rate, it featured an enlarged ventral fuel tank for increased range and reintroduced 30 mm ADEN cannons.
Playstyle
The Lightning F.6 is an exceptional interceptor, excelling at high-speed dashes and rapid climbs to altitude. Its best playstyle involves Boom & Zoom tactics. You should climb quickly to gain an energy advantage, then dive on unsuspecting targets. While it possesses impressive acceleration and top speed, its maneuverability at low speeds is poor, and it struggles in prolonged turn fights. Its powerful engines allow for supercruise (supersonic flight without afterburner). It can carry Firestreak or Red Top missiles for engaging targets at range, and its ADEN cannons provide strong close-range firepower.
Pros and Cons
Pros
+ Incredible climb rate
+ Very high top speed and acceleration
+ Can supercruise (supersonic without afterburner)
+ Powerful 30 mm ADEN cannons
+ Good missile armament (Firestreak/Red Top)
Cons
- Poor maneuverability, especially at low speeds
- Terrible turn rate; struggles in dogfights
- Limited versatility; primarily an interceptor
- Controls can become stiff at high speeds
Loadout Option
Trivia
- Stories from pilots claim it could achieve speeds of Mach 2.35 and altitudes of 80,000 ft, and was capable of intercepting U-2 spy planes.
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