Another one of the ex Royal Saudi Air Force Lightnings that UK museums feel the urge to paint into fake RAF markings. This one is pretending to belong to 11 Squadron. Delivered to the RSAF on 01 Jul 1968 as 53-681. Later reregistered to 306 and then to 210. Returned to BAe at Warton as ZF583 on 14 Jan 1986. Delivered to the museum on 08 Jan 1989.

Looking splendid in a 56 Sqdn repaint completed this year and looking so much better than the grey colours in which it was previously displayed, this is really ex-Saudi Lightning ZF583. It was first flown in 1968 as G-27-51 and delivered in July of that year to the Royal Saudi Air Force at Jeddah. Served as 53-681 with 6 Sqdn and 2 Sqdn and with the type's withdrawal from Saudi service, BAe bought it back (as part of the deal to sell Tornados) in January 1986. After hopes to sell on the ex-Saudi machines proved fruitless, they were offered to various museums.

Recently painted in the colours of 56 Squadron. Although not authenticate, she looks brilliant comparted to the last time I saw her.

This is one of the ex-Royal Saudi Air Force Lightnings which were returned to the UK after retirement, and assigned UK serials. Still in natural metal finish in this older photograph.

Former Royal Saudi Air Force Lightning F53, now masquerading as a Lightning F6 of 11 Squadron, RAF.

Ex RSaudiAF 53-681 © Collection - Ron Damstra

Aircraft has seen better days and is due a refurb, however fortunately it is looking like that is coming soon.

Ex Saudi AF 53-681.

Delivered new to the Saudi AF in 1968 as 53-681. Last flown in 1986 as ZF583 after purchase by BAE. Preserved in the markings of No. 11 Squadron RAF.

On display at the Solway Aviation Museum, well worth a visit when in the vicinity of Carlisle.