| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | XM135 |
| Military Code: | B |
| Aircraft Original Type: | English Electric Lightning |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | English Electric Lightning |
| Aircraft Version: | English Electric Lightning F1 |
| C/n (msn): | 95031 |
| Operator Titles: | UK - Air Force |
| Unit Markings: | 74 Sqn |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | DuxfordMap |
| Region / Country: | England, United Kingdom |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: EGSU IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Collection: | Imperial War Museum Duxford |
| Photo Date: | 20 June 2025 |
| Photo by: | Richard Vandervord |
| Photo ID: | 819037 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
XM135, the first full-production Mk.1 Lightning, made its maiden flight in November 1959 and served the CFS, 74 Sqdn, 226 OCU and the Leuchars TFF before being stored in 1971 at 60 MU Leconfield as the last F.1 to fly. The aircraft is notable for a 1966 incident when Wing Commander Walter "Taff" Holden accidentally took off during taxi tests due to advancing the throttles into reheat, narrowly avoiding multiple accidents before safely landing. Transferred to the IWM in 1974 This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 22 June 2025, and has since been viewed 63 times. |