A spectacular, heavyweight 1:72 scale diecast masterpiece capturing the raw power and unique design of Britain's ultimate Cold War interceptor. This premium replica within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series (AA32314) represents the iconic English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 serving with the Royal Air Force No. 5 Squadron.
The model depicts the famous airframe "XS903" while based at RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England, in 1984. This specific machine carries a historic pedigree, featuring the temporary, aggressive "shark's mouth" nose art painted on during gunnery exercises before being removed later. XS903 miraculously still survives today, preserved in a different color scheme. No. 5 Squadron operated Lightnings out of Binbrook from 1965 until they were finally replaced by Tornado F3s in 1987.
Originally designed to meet a demanding supersonic research aircraft requirement, the Lightning first flew on August 4, 1954. It was uniquely configured with a radical delta-wing design based on captured German WWII research, and featured twin engines stacked vertically on top of one another. This unconventional layout gave the aircraft its distinctively tall, muscular profile, which allowed for a phenomenal rate of climb and incredible maneuverability capable of Mach 2.5 speeds. The F.Mk 6 emerged as the ultimate, improved, longer-range iteration of the earlier F3 interceptor.
Highly sought after by modern aviation collectors for its immense diecast metal content and stunning shelf presence, this 1:72 scale model captures the unique styling of the 1950s Cold War era. The heavy airframe is highly detailed, showcasing the larger ventral fuel tank with its integrated twin cannon pack, simulated stainless-steel heat shield covering, a realistic fueling probe, and a variant-accurate clipped tail fin.
Additional premium features include a configurable canopy that can be displayed in either the open or closed position. For maximum realism on display, this limited-edition release of only 1,500 pieces worldwide also includes a separate, finely detailed photo-etched metal cockpit boarding ladder and a robust presentation flight stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA32314
Aircraft: English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 (F.6)
Serial/Tail Code: XS903 (AM)
Nose Art / Theme: Short-lived "Shark's Mouth" Gunnery Livery
Unit: RAF No. 5 Squadron (No.5 Sqn)
Base Command: RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
Date/Period: 1984 (Cold War Era)
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,500 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal with Minimal Plastic
Special Features: Low-run limited edition status, authentic tactical grey livery with temporary shark's mouth, large ventral fuel tank, integrated twin cannon pack, simulated stainless-steel exhaust shroud, refueling probe, clipped tail fin, open/closed configurable canopy, photo-etched metal cockpit ladder, original presentation flight stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 9.25" or 23.5 cm
Width (Wingspan): 5.75" or 14.6 cm