Corgi 49402 1:72 English Electric Lightning F.2 XN768 S RAF No.92 Sqn Aerobatic Display Team Farnborough 1964

A striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of English Electric Lightning F.2 XN768, coded S, operated by Royal Air Force No.92 Squadron during the 1960s. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, 49402 depicts the aircraft in the squadron's distinctive natural-metal display scheme with blue fin and spine and colourful No.92 Squadron markings.

No.92 Squadron had already established a strong reputation for formation aerobatics before receiving the Lightning. Flying Hawker Hunter F.6s, the squadron became Fighter Command's official aerobatic display unit during the early 1960s and performed under the famous Blue Diamonds name.

When No.92 Squadron converted to the English Electric Lightning F.2 from 1963, it continued to demonstrate the new supersonic interceptor at public displays. The combination of polished metal, deep blue squadron colouring and the extraordinary performance of the Lightning created one of the most memorable RAF display aircraft schemes of the period.

XN768 was an early Lightning F.2, construction number 95121, and carried the individual squadron letter S. The aircraft is documented appearing with No.92 Squadron at the Farnborough Air Show in September 1964, when a large formation of the squadron's Lightnings took part in the flying display.

The model recreates XN768 in its attractive natural-metal finish, complemented by the dark blue fin and dorsal spine, RAF roundels, squadron badge and distinctive coloured nose markings. The scheme provides a particularly vivid contrast to the predominantly camouflaged finishes adopted by many RAF Germany Lightnings later in their careers.

Unlike many other No.92 Squadron Lightning F.2 aircraft, XN768 was never converted to the later F.2A specification. It therefore retained the characteristic rounded fin, smaller ventral fuel tank and original wing configuration of the earlier Lightning F.2.

The Lightning F.2 was an improved development of Britain's first operational supersonic interceptor. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines mounted vertically one above the other within the fuselage, the aircraft possessed exceptional acceleration and rate of climb, allowing RAF pilots to intercept high-flying aircraft at extremely short notice.

Standard F.2 armament comprised two 30 mm ADEN cannon together with two de Havilland Firestreak air-to-air missiles. Although the Lightning's relatively limited endurance restricted its patrol capability, its extraordinary performance made it ideally suited to the high-speed point-defence interception role for which it had been designed.

This substantial Corgi Aviation Archive release features extensive diecast construction with detailed surface panel lines and permanently applied markings. Display features include configurable landing gear, Firestreak missiles, a detailed cockpit with open or closed canopy options, a separate cockpit access ladder and the original curved Aviation Archive presentation stand.

Fact Sheet

Dimensions

Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)

• The model is in very good condition overall, with no breakages present, and comes complete.
• A small area of black paint inconsistency is present just in front of the cockpit.
• Some light wear marks are present on the wings.
• The most notable issue is paint inconsistency and bubbling to the horizontal stabilisers, affecting both the topside and underside.
• Despite the noted paint imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.

Box condition - Excellent (8/10)

• The box is in excellent condition for its age, with only minor wear present.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.