Absolutely nothing happens to this huge jet-powered RC plane

Windy weather meant that not all landings were good landings at the Tokoroa airfield this weekend. Not too much laughter in this video and I'm currently setting up my new editing/rendering computer whilst also dealing with the learning-curve of new software so excuse the edit quality of this video.

[@rodthomas5180]

Having flown 1000 hours on Lightnings from Wattisham and Binbrook back in the 1970's I think it is brilliant to see this iconic aircraft airborne again. I don't think you can get more realism than this splendid model, well done to the crew who built and flew it.

[@angelsone-five7912]

Brilliant model. I love the way it just "plopped" safely on the runway. Great stuff.

[@O-cDxA]

One of the most realistic flights I have seen - and in such fierce winds too ! The Lightning landed like it thought it was a Harrier !

[@reaverman]

That Electric Lightning was gorgeous!

[@DavstrWrexham]

yes it sure was.

[@TheMadmacs]

it was just outstanding and beautifully flown.

[@RWBHere]

Designed by English Electric, so it should be 'English Electric Lightning'. I really miss those aircraft. My brother once recorded an in-flight emergency and bale-out of a Lightning which suffered a lower engine fire, and finished up a mile offshore, near to where he lived. Someone obtained a copy from him and then posted a much-edited (and poorer quality) version of it on YT a few years ago, despite the illegality of posting such material. It is still worth hearing.

[@swashbucklingadventures9929]

How much does the Lightning go for?

[@STARDRIVE]

Odd wing shape, stacked engines, and optional fuel tanks ON TOP of the wings. A very striking, and definitely modern jet for its day. (1950's)

[@anaetadesireechandler4122]

Absolutely awesome and a beautiful lightning. Well done to the builder

[@HonoraryKiwi123]

i was in the RAF from 87-96 and i served with 11Sqn at RAF Leeming and served with them in the first Gulf War,really great to see the RC Lightening with the old Sqn markings and what a beautiful RC model ,fantastic video

[@paulmeads802]

Fantastic, the guy who built and flew the Lightning must have a smile on his face from ear to ear. Brilliant stuff

[@1Esteband]

This is an ANTI click bait title. Refreshing!

[@lauriestlyon8773]

Watching this sooo reminded me of being posted to RAF Binbrook in the last year's of the Lightning. The plane is now in a museum, the base gone, time has a way of erasing us all! But thank you for reminding me of my best time!

[@dragonmeddler2152]

One of the best Cold War fighters ever flown by any country. My American hat is raised to English Electric and this most unusual and effective platform. Beautiful model and outstanding piloting skill! What a landing!

[@triplex2912]

Quite a lot happened. The best jet fighter of all time, took to the skies again! Fantastic piece of flying and a well shot video. Thank you

[@madhukarjonathanminj2772]

definitely a cool plane, but the best jet fighter of all times? that's clearly an exaggeration.

[@RWBHere]

At 7:13 I was waiting for parachute deployment! Some of us around here really miss the sight and (mostly) sound of Lightnings. Few aircraft could climb vertically so quickly as them. They still hold the world record for climbing from sea level to 30,000 feet. Thanks Bruce.

[@RWBHere]

Likewise! We lived 8 miles away from a Lightning base in Lincolnshire, and we could hear them clearly when they scrambled. At an ai display there, six of them scrambled. You felt the noise, even from more than a mile away; it was stomach-shaking. From the scramble signal (and with engines ready) to cloud base took them less than a minute. Nine seconds from take-off to clouds, at 1,100 feet. It's unforgettable, even more than 30 years later. They were almost as loud as a Vulcan bomber.

[@simulatedpilot3441]

RWBHere not to be a smart azz but I thought the streak eagle did until the T10 broke it again in Russia

[@simulatedpilot3441]

Was also reading the new T50 broke a new time to climb record with the AL41 Saturn it's getting a new project 30 engine with 39k per engine soon sure the F22 hold many as well was surprised nobody broke this aircrafts record to 30k with gen4 and 5 aircraft.

[@leonardwilliams8109]

Beautiful model, expertly flown! All it needs are afterburners & a Bear to intercept.

[@juliane3683]

Back in1967 or perhaps ‘68 on arrival at the Southend on Sea airshow I was getting out of the car and coincidently was right in line for the flat out low approach of the Spitfire ... and so was lucky enough, to experience both a much better view and longer corridor of fabulous engine sound, than might have been available in the show itself. Later, It was the Lightning. The commentator announced that the lightning had just left its base in Lincolnshire and would be arriving in eight minutes. We were instructed to look to the north. Right on time, a dot of white light proclaimed the arrival of the Lightning which streaked across the airport at maybe 3 to 400 miles an hour. Two seconds later when it was in the middle, the pilot stood it on its tail and it went straight up vertically amidst a roar which I can still hear today. Absolutely Fabulous! And I am proud to be British.

[@Garythegangster]

I'm very pleased nothing happens as that is an absolutely fantastic piece of RC kit. A real credit to its builder. It looks and sounds amazing. Great job.

[@barrysheridan9186]

Superb flying, very impressive. Thanks for posting.

[@craigkane6199]

That Lightning is fantastic. Well done

[@williamcharles9480]

That guy can sure fly that Lightning. The title to the video doesn't give justice to the phenomenal exhibition of flying that we see. That EE Lightning is one beautiful and well detailed scale model. The jet turbine engines that are now available just add even more to the realism. I wish that I could have seen this first hand, but I'll take what I can get. Thanks for posting.

[@michaelporter4050]

Saw a Lightning at the Biggin Hill Air show circa 1961. Just as we emerged from the refreshments tent with a cup of tea, it flew over very low and broke the sound barrier. Two very loud bangs in quick succession! I have never been so shocked in all my life and my Grandad spilt his tea and nearly spat out his false teeth. My Dad explained about breaking the sound barrier, which, at the age of ten, I found difficult to understand. I shall never forget that bloody double bang though!

[@bsul03420]

Such a stable aeroplane. Beautiful balance between thrust and flight controls. Not twitchy, like most modern designs. It shows that the Lightning was a really classic design.

[@timothywhalen9352]

The headwind made that aircraft seem like it was hovering on landing. Such a great aircraft and a talented pilot! GI Joe is jealous!

[@craigpennington1251]

Outstanding in every conceivable way possible. That is a landing for the record books. Amazing aircraft and the handling of.

[@jasonhimpson2334]

Brilliant to see 904 flying, even as a RC. It looks stunning.

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

Fabulous Lighting! I'm in Lincoln so we had the Vulcans flying over every day and if I went near RAF Binbrook (25miles away) then the earth would be shattered by these beauties! such a shame they no longer fly

[@mkmdexplorationparanormal5610]

ArcturanMegadonkey I drove past Binbrook yesterday, wished I'd had payed a visit,, I do believe they have a serviceable Lightning there that they flew in back in the 90s I believe, is that right ? Hope your okay mate ?

[@alansmith-5981]

7 Years based at Binbrook in GRSF (Ground Radio Servicing Flight. Just under ATC)... ahh those were the days. Watching them doing aeros and test flights etc. putting them through their paces. The best jet fighter ever :-)

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

Hi Mike, they actually have 1 full one and one in pieces and quite a lot of other spares too. as far as I'm aware it's a long way off 'fully serviceable' as tons needs doing and it'll only ever be able to fast taxi, trouble is there is barely any runway left of RAF Binbrook now as it's been dug up and returned to farm land, almost all the hangers and buildings are still there although the hangers are for grain I think and the buildings are for small businesses, such a shame but that's the modern world we live in. Bruntingthorpe is the place to be for Lightning fast taxi, checkout my videos for some footage I filmed a few years back, managed to capture the Avpin startup and taxi with full reheat, all filmed in 1080p HD

[@mkmdexplorationparanormal5610]

Ooh I shall have a scan for that, thanks mate, yeah it is a shame they couldn't stick it on a low loader to Elvington and use it for fast taxiing there, for up north lol never been to Brunty but really hoping to when not so busy. Hope to see you soon ;) lol chin up buddy

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

They do have a website I think but cannot remember what it is...quick google search and you'll find it I'm going metal detecting tomorrow so new video upload soon

[@KevinCroucher666]

I was at a Battle of Britain Day display at Biggin Hill sometime in the early 70s. They must have just cut the grass beside the runway, when the Lightning went by it was so close that it blew the grass clippings into the crowd. Brilliant!

[@johnfallas3627]

Nice to see the GEC Lightning in RC format. I worked on them at BAe Wharton Division when we got 28 back from Saudi, all in their “silver” livery.

[@dave0366]

super cool! I don't know a thing about model jet airplanes but I'm very knowledgeable in today's modern drainage

[@jameslamb4573]

Saw a Lightning at an air show when I was but a callow youth, don't really remember much of the show except that the Lightning flew 200 feet above the runway at 400+ MPH for a "guess the speed competition". This was well before the health and safety goons gained sway over such stunts.

[@bobsapsford7526]

Saw one at Farnborough about 1958 when I was eight, still remember my chest being crushed. Last one I saw was about 10 years ago flying into Cranfield to be mothballed.

[@paulpaulsen7777]

Beautiful, just absolutely beautiful!

[@GlyndwrMeredith]

Reminds me of Nicosia Airport 1967. E E Lightenings buzzing the runway. Afterburn leaving smoke rising from the tarmac as the planes shot out of sight, near vertical. Impressive.

[@Gez492]

Why would anyone thumbs down. This is an superb model of a truly epic aircraft

[@deanmohamed795]

WOW, how did you manage to do "STOL" landing with such RC jet? That's really amazing!!! Nice flying dude

[@barrysanders7727]

landing into the wind n a touch of experience

[@MaineArtists]

This is fine art, airplane art. Fantastic! I never would have believed it, if I didn't see it with my own eyes. Do more. Go higher. Go faster. Again, wow. This is just amazing.

[@Peter57808]

absolutely no problem seeing that at some distance, epic plane and epic flying!!

[@Franky46Boy]

Lightning looks like the real thing... Very well flown!

[@paraglide01]

That landing of the Electra was beautiful. Best landing I ever saw on RC video's actually.

[@johnr2297]

I knew I wasn't the only person who thought that 😀

[@cambridgemart2075]

Did I miss something? I didn't see an Electra in this video.

[@Brucev7]

www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/history.php

[@ncdave4life]

How did he do that?!? Very strong headwind?

[@stevelester4188]

It was certainly one hell of a steep glide path! Strong head wind and plenty of flaps I would think

[@mucku2]

been a pilot or flew many hours as the pilot. these skills are amazing! no wiggle no wobble...

[@grantwalker9059]

Very impressive and realistic ! Excellent pilot with perfect landing.

[@smickerflies]

I was working on these in binbrook in the 80s, lightning training flight & aircraft servicing flight, also got a few flights myself an amazing aircraft to watch in a dog fight, but a real bugger to work on, happy memories.

[@BobbyTucker]

The wind is concerning me quite a bit, I guess I'm a "worry wart", just lost my love for adrenaline rushes. lol. Beautiful plane.

[@Michael-4]

Wow that lightning is amazing. Short landing too.

[@Wheelabarraback]

Most realistic model I have ever seen ! Thanks .

[@dprietovial]

Extraordinary, congratulations from Chile, South America.

[@highflying82]

Greetings from UK .. a beautiful EE Lightning display ..my all time fav British intercepter .. thanks for sharing .

[@alister_grigg]

Excellent flying, a joy to watch.

[@duradim1]

What a gorgeous plane you highlighted here. And great camera work also. Thanks for sharing.

[@marshal7102]

Outstanding camera work. Great flying plane and Great Pilot. Looks so real i forgot it was a model

[@55chh]

These models are getting bigger and more powerful. At what point will they become a security issue?

[@FlyingFun.]

Lightning was great to see and hear. Sadly crashing is just part of the hobby , wish I had deep enough pockets to dare to fly such nice big models but I'm happy to watch others do so. Cheers Nigel.

[@exJacktar]

That Lightening is magnificent. I shudder to think of it's value in time and money.

[@mahilamaseli415]

Good to see the New Zealand airforce out practicing in a bit of wind

[@mattmaz2]

Wow ! What a RC plane !! And some mighty fine flying skills too !!

[@melvyncox3361]

The Lightning is a real beauty,and well flown too.Great job😎👍!

[@RFSA180]

Can't believe the CAA allowed them to get a Lightning airworthy again. Fantastic effort to all those involved! Does anyone know if the Aircrew are RAF or BAE? Thanks.

[@WolfieD-yp5ez]

that were one of the most wonderful model flights ever" I even sat here and "applauded!" looked so real I thought there was somebody inside! LOL Nice work mate!!

[@scooterfpv8864]

Man, those were some sweet jet powered models . That smaller one had some serious get up and go .

[@nailbanger489]

The big jet looks heavy or maybe underpowered but beautifully done. Just watched the landing damn that was awesome.

[@timonsolus]

That’s as close as we can get to a real flying Lightning. Fantastic. Just wish it had afterburners, for that signature rocket-like climb to high altitude!

[@WVFAN1958]

So cool. Thanks for sharing your video

[@RevoRob007]

I cannot see why people are blasting this vid for being clickbait. The title said nothing happened to the big jet in the thumbnail and guess what? Nothing happened. If anything, this vid is anti-clickbait in that vid is more interesting than the title.

[@PeterCarlsen2108]

You're a bit too late. The original title was quite the opposite.

[@redblade43]

Peter. It does not need to say in the title, "nothing happened...", so then why put those words in, it creates suspicion.

[@paladin0654]

The Lightening made the best RC landing I've seen. P.S. the title isn't clickbait.

[@redblade43]

The correct spelling is "Lightning" and the title is misleading...

[@TheMadmacs]

i was so worried the lightning was gonna crash, beautifully flown.

[@ibizenco]

That Lightning is just awesome. They should make a real plane of it that a person could get into in order to actually fly it.

[@NicB-Creations]

Thats one large jet. Pretty impressive.

[@RanceTaggert]

What a chillingly expensive, beautiful aircraft that Lightning is, and with a longer flight time than the original! XJET if you can, ask that pilot to do that classic Lightning takeoff: Off the ground, gear up, full throttle straight up faster faster faster- and post that puppy here. What a noise....:)))

[@valderja]

That Lightning is awesome!

[@Calvertfilm]

I've sat in the real XS904 at Bruntingthorpe. Fabulous plane and model.

[@tome1476]

this is the most clever title I have ever seen in my suggested videos

[@RC-Flight]

The club where I fly has a grass runway only, it’s long but grass which means I’ll never be able to see a jet of this size fly there. This video of this jet is very impressive to say the least! Hey was the smaller red jet a turbine or EDF?

[@fosgatexlt]

Should slap a GoPro on that thing. Sweet plane, well done.

[@ShaukatHakim]

The best RC plane I’ve ever seen.

[@robrosielle9658]

Great job following that big jet ausome camera work.

[@Johnnyceesred]

I noticed the name on the side of the plane. The RC Lightning Plane is a replica of XS904/BQ based at Bruntingthorpe, England named in honour of John "Tiger" Crow of No.74 "Tiger" Squadron.

[@Argosh]

I came for the new title. This is the kind of stuff I want to see!

[@savedbygodsgrace.9058]

The lighting. My childhood favourite.

[@welshpete12]

I think what shows the real skill of these pilots, is were they get them back on the ground , not easy !!!

[@cobberpete1]

Great flying. Good Landing. I remember the real thing at RAF Lucas in Scotland. MUCH more noisier

[@pod9538]

looks so majestic fellas. very impressive 👍👍👍

[@mattstockton2433]

Never seen a landing quite like that lightning. What a plane

[@saxonlight]

I'm glad it wasn't the Lightning. I enjoyed it flying around. Good camera work Bruce. A bad day for the Red Arrows.

[@paulshuttleworth7793]

More so in the full size world :-(

[@saxonlight]

Indeed.

[@RWBHere]

Sad indeed. They are based six miles away from here, and they had flown over to Valley for the exercise.

[@glynmiller7509]

I remember as a kid going to RAF Finingley for an air show back in the 70s. One of these was on.the runway for take off and I kid you not the earth was shaking and the noise was deafening.

[@rckeith]

Great filming of the Lightening. Top marks. Would be a good topic for a video. Getting good shots of RC models is not easy and I struggle , perhaps you could share a few tips.

[@redblade43]

Keith. The correct spelling is "Lightning" and not "Lightening"; these two words don't have the same meaning.

[@soulfunkjazz]

Beautiful!

[@hughjohnston]

I love your Binbrook lightning .Looks like the real thing

[@Holtham01]

Forget farnborough airshow !!! RC air show 👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@TheSkskitey]

Looked very windy Bruce so if they fly they take the chance , i'm glad the enormous lightening didn't crash :-)

[@IanLanc]

The ''Frightning'' looked so real....

[@MotorHead7]

Wow! Great video and really great flying!!

[@MotorHead7]

...and I do like the title too.

[@johnheyworth6001]

The lightning was stunning.

[@interqward1]

Gee that's damn good flying right there. And mention must be made of the camera-person who did a fine job too.

[@kev.j.goodwin8612]

I used to cycle to RAF Coltishall in the 1960s to watch the Lightning operations from that station. Possibly the most potent of any 'sprint' jet interceptor at that time or since. At airshows they'd demonstrate a QRA takeoff - blast down the runway, full reheat, unstick to about 20 feet and hold to build airspeed, then a vertical, accelerating climb to 20,000 ft . So noisy it'd rattle your internals! Fast passes just nudging the sound barrier along the crowd line as well. Different world back then. Lovely model and nicely flown, but pedestrian in comparison to the full size. BTW, The English Electric Company were also famous for their high quality domestic fridges and cookers in the 50s &60s.

[@yogiman333]

I was at Coltishall 1959/60 when they had Hunters, Javelins and Lightnings, watching Hunters and Lightnings practising tight turns togeather was awesome.'the hunters had no chance as lightnings turns were vituall right angles.. They also had Jet and Piston engine Provosts, I managed a few fights in the Piston but never lucky enough to go in a jet. It was the cold war days, Javelins where always fully armed and ready to go before the Lightings were made operational.

[@sUASNews]

That was a 1:1 scale drain then. Not a seagull in sight.

[@MrAlwaysBlue]

Wow. Loved the vertical landing!

[@warp65]

That Lightning is gorgeous.

[@barneyboy7771]

Great video, English Electric video spot on. Best part no crap music.

[@JONOVID]

the problem with a large RC jet plane is your out-of RC range in no time, at all, so your just non-stop looping. if you give it GPS & a full guidance system, you go a cruise missile, or make it large enough for a pilot =110% fun.

[@randomnickify]

...aaaand it is actually illegal because you are ending with cruise missile.

[@scottfrank8805]

Salute Xjet. I always look forward to your vids. Thanks dooood

[@FPV-wi8fw]

That lightning is niiiice

[@melkins551]

Wow, what a great pilot !

[@fw1421]

Beautiful model! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻