The Lightning was an all-British Mach 2 capable supersonic Cold War fighter/interceptor. RAF pilots described it as "being saddled to a skyrocket". Designed as an air superiority fighter, it's role was to defend mainland Britain against bomber attacks. The Lightning served RAF and the Royal Saudi Air Force between 1957 and 1988.
The Vulcan was part of the RAF's V bomber force, which fulfilled the role of nuclear deterrence against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Avro Vulcan XH558 was the first Vulcan B2 to enter service with the RAF in July 1960, and the last to fly (with the RAF Vulcan Display Flight in 1992). The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is labouring to restore this historical aircraft, get it air-worthy and keep it that way. www.tvoc.co.uk
The A-10 was designed for high-survivability with a titanium cover surrounding both the cockpit, ammunition and fuel tank. Placement of the engines decreases the infrared signature lowering it's vulnerablity to heatseeking missiles and ground fire.
Developed for the USAF as reconnaissance aircraft more than 40 years ago, SR-71s are still the world's fastest and highest-flying production aircraft. The aircraft can fly more than 2200 mph (Mach 3+ or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes of over 85,000 feet. As research platforms, the aircraft can cruise at Mach 3 for more than one hour.
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