English Electric Lightning F2-J

[zenrat]

English Electric Lightning F2-J
English Electric Lightning F2-J 2 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
When looking for a replacement for their Supermarine Swifts the JASDF was put under heavy diplomatic pressure from the US government of the day to purchase the F-104 Starfighter.  It was however passed over in favour of the Lightning F2 mainly due to the British aircraft's superior real world performance and better reputation.
English Electric Lightning F2-J 5 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
Introduced into service with the JASDF in 1966, the Lightning F2-J differed from its RAF equivalent in being equipped with Mitsubishi Type 19 radar and Type 13 air-to-air missiles.  The initial batch of aircraft were delivered in F2 specification from the UK and retrofitted locally but thereafter Lightnings were built by Mitsubishi under licence.
English Electric Lightning F2-J 6 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
In Japanese hands Lightnings provided solid, relible service routinely intercepting attempted North Korean overflights.
English Electric Lightning F2-J 8 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
The aircraft pictured is wearing a commemorative paint scheme applied in 1967 to mark the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Mitsubishi A5M into IJN service.
English Electric Lightning F2-J 7 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr
The Model.
Airfix 1/72 English Electric Lightning F2.A.
Shock cone replaced with nose of the missile from an Airfix Stratos 4.
Missiles from Airfix Saab Viggen.

[The Rat]

That is a real beauty! 

[rickshaw]

Interesting.  What are the missiles from? 

[Weaver]

Oh wow that looks pretty! I've always thought white looks good on the Lightning. Makes me want to do an anti-flash one with Genies even more now!

Interesting.  What are the missiles from? 

Rb-05s from an Airfix Viggen. For some reason, Airfix decided to mould them with square bodies....

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

[comrade harps]

Nice scheme! 

[Doug K]

Never was a Lightning fan, but that looks brilliant

[Dizzyfugu]

That's colorful!

[Old Wombat]

 

[NARSES2]

That really works mate, looks superb. Well done 

[chrisonord]

That looks brilliant Fred,
Lairy paint jobs really do suit lightnings 
Chris

[sandiego89]

Wow, great job on the paint! 

Datsun pickup was my first vehicle....

[Glenn Gilbertson]

That looks terrific -brightened up a dull winter!

[PR19_Kit]

Amazing, it really DOES look Japanese! 

[kitnut617]

Lovely Fred 

After seeing this I'd say a 'missed' opportunity for the British Aerospace industry