The salvaged cockpit of a Cold War aircraft has made an unlikely homecoming to a former RAF base in Norfolk after being scrapped almost 50 years ago.
The English Electric Lightning T.5 XS421 aircraft first flew on February 25, 1965, before retiring a decade later in 1975.
The rare two-seater aircraft flew from RAF Coltishall and was one of only 23 made by the RAF to train pilots.
Despite being scrapped in 1976, the cockpit survived, and it was purchased by Carl Lamb in June this year.
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It was previously stored at RAF Neatishead, but the historic aircraft made its return to its RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre home on Thursday (July 20).
Mr Lamb, who bought the cockpit for £20,000 four years ago, said: “It’s a really nice feeling knowing that a lot of time and effort has gone into this project and that it’s started to pay off.
“It’s the beginning of the journey.
“We’re going to restore it as best we can so it can become an exhibit for visitors to learn the history not only of the plane but also the history of RAF Colitishall and the role it played in the Cold War.”
“We’re trying to encourage anybody that used to work on the Lightning, or anybody who has got any spare time or parts, to come forward and get involved in the project.”
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The heritage centre is located in the Old Main Guardroom of the former airbase, which is now the Scottow Enterprise Park.
The Lightning flew as part of the 226 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
Mr Lamb, who was based at RAF Coltishall when he was in the air force, said the project is all about “safeguarding the heritage” of the aircraft.
“I came to Norfolk as a 16-year-old lad and I’m now 61 and I’d like to think I’m part of the community,” he said.
“It’s a three to five-year project, but it’s finally come home.”
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