Scheme 1:XS903 5 Squadron RAF Binbrook Scheme 2:XS921 56 Squadron June 1976 As the only all-British built Mach 2 plus capable fighter aircraft, the English Electric Lightning occupies a unique place in aviation history and remains one of the finest achievements of the British aviation industry. Possessing incredible performance, this Cold War warrior entered service in 1960 and became Britains primary interceptor for the following two decades. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.