Plates: 1

Picture of the author and Richard Noble

The author and Richard Noble with one tenth scale model in British Aerospace, Filton, wind-tunnel.
September 1978.

picture of British Aerospace Lightning F.3.

British Aerospace Lightning F.3. Britan's first aircraft to fly at twice the speed of sound. "Thrust 2" uses one of the upper engine units.

Picture of Richard Noble, the author and Ken Sprayson

Richard Noble, the author and Ken Sprayson with the completed space frame alongside the Avon 210 engine and re-heat.

Picture of First test runs at Leconsfield in July 1980

First test runs at Leconsfield in July 1980.

Picture of Thrust puts a low speed'chute in at an airshow performance

Thrust puts a low speed'chute in at an airshow performance. August 1980.

Picture of Brian Ball and Norman Willis

Brian Ball and Norman Willis wheel the compound curves for the front body. Fishbourne 1981.

Picture of the author checking a panel

Full size wooden formers are used to produce trial body shape of "Thrust 2" (shown in background).
The author checks a panel.

Picture of the final assembly

Final assembly - note the Air starter on the apron. Fishbourne 1981

Picture of the Air starter

The Air starter being adapted to fit the Avon 302 intake. Summer 1982.

Picture of Ron Benton cuts away the wreckage.

Ron Benton cuts away the wreckage. The engine is already removed for repair. End June 1982.

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