XS416 Homecoming

XS416 Comes home and both planes moved safely under cover

[@scopex2749]

2 T BIRDS!!!! SUPERB I was due to have a flight at Thunder City South Africa in XS451 - the last airworthy T5. Sadly the aircraft and pilot, Dave Stock, were lost at an air display, in 2009. Thunder city had to close due to poor maintenance - I would have gladly moved over there to SA to help - Im an ex RAF aircraft tech! I remember back in summer, 1978 416 stopped at Brize Norton for a refuel, we asked the pilot to give us a beat up when he left but he smiled and said sadly he couldnt. He took off and did a reheat rotate VERTICAL and me and my mate though that was it. As we were walking back across the pans to the line building, with our headsets - my mate stopped and shouted "DOWN". We looked around and he had come back and was roaring across the airfield at about 10 feet - we hit the deck as he screamed over us and pulled up and lit the burners waggling his wings! EPIC!! We both never forgot that day! I hope you can get these both up to airworthy standard like the 2 at Bruntingthorpe! I was so angry they ripped up the runway at Binbrook, the airfiend would have made a superb aviation museum for fast taxis and air displays. Maybe a home for the Vulcan as well? WELCOME HOME to 2 splendid old jets.

[@johnjones4825]

I visited Thundercity once, what a treat to see the Lightnings, and the other birds. Pity they had to close, I miss the sight and sound of those aircraft blasting over the HH mountains. I live just 30 or so km from Cape Town international airport.

[@trevor5486]

heard more news to be released soon

[@nervo6321]

Well done these icons of British Aviation that tore the sky apart for many years deserve to be preserved.

[@davidpeters6536]

Heartwarming to see these two Queens of the Sky are back home to a bit of TLC. Well done everyone, I first saw a Lightning fly in 1962 at an airshow and was awestruck. That feeling has never left me. My dad was RAF in WWII on Halifax's, he got his wings but was BA, Nav and Radio Op from '42 to '46.

[@12jsteve]

In a world gone absolutely feckin mad - this video lifts the spirit and soul. Great effort by all involved. Good to see these incredible machines under cover once more. 👍👏

[@paulkirkland3263]

Couldn't agree more. Well said!

[@tophatanimation8748]

Definately, couldn't agree more. Will try and make a contribution if able too.

[@richardhumphrey487]

Stunning video 🤩 Emotional experience to see XS459 and XS 416 returning to their spiritual home 🥰😭 What a phenomenal rescue by His Heritage Transport & Logistics. And to know these beautiful birds are now undercover and in the process of restoration is absolutely wonderful 🙌❤️

[@stevewyatt9546]

Amen to that!

[@binjuice59]

Lovely to see 2 old birds come home I served at Boulmer and had the pleasure of working with 5,11 and LTF at BK daily flying and QRA brings back so. Many memories😀😀

[@chrisbogg9948]

Wonderful to see these old birds being well cared for. I served at 60MU RAF Leconfield as a supplier, my job was to source parts for the 60 day turnaround major servicing of all the Lightening fleet over several years. I’m sure I recall these tail numbers being worked on. Thanks for the memories.

[@simongleed]

Lightnings.....A piece engineering marvel - fantastic to see these Lightnings undercover 😊 I'm restoring a Mk10 55ton Chieftain main battle tank - love spending time working on her and it's great way to relax and unwind.

[@martinwilson2660]

I never served in the RAF nevermind served at Binbrook but being a Lightning nut since I was a kid I can only imagine how proud and thrilled all those involved in this must be feeling. I have a piece of Binbrook in my heart that stems from my childhood fascination (even though the first time I went there I was 30!) All those old Binbrookians watching this fabulous video must be chuffed to bits. Bravo

[@jaywalker3087]

Binbrook , I couldn’t believe it was my first posting. I’ve never won a prize in anything I’ve entered, but that doesn’t matter. I got to be an everyday part of the best aircraft ever built. I’m now 62 and have goose bumps now just thinking back to those days, and a big grin on my face.

[@colinmatthews551]

What a privilege to be involved with these aircraft and the excitement and enthusiasm they are bringing to the Lightning community. The memories that are flooding back within the pilots, maintenance crews, and all associated with RAF Binbrook (Lightning Town) are wonderful to hear.

[@andrewjgordon1372]

My first station after training was RAF Binbrook 1974 to 1975 with 5 and 11 sqns were there, fell in love with Lightning's just a brilliant aircraft had a great time at Binbrook and some wonderful memories, sadly a few years later had to watch a lightning in trouble at RAF Valley and having to be dumped into the Irish sea...very sad day.

[@johnnyhollis9977]

Brings back memories of seeing these at virtually ground level running parallel along the East coast at speed! An awesome aircraft. 😉

[@chrisherring9492]

Amazing to see 416 join our lady from Fenland Aviation Museum. We definitely made the right decision to let her go back to where she belongs and get the love an attention she needs.

[@lightningtown5785]

Hi Chris great to hear from you and regards to the Fenland crew!

[@colinboneham7387]

The 1st and last of their type together at their home is a great sight & will be even better once rebuilt and on display. great work people.

[@ruthmatthews9393]

Wonderful to see such magnificent aircraft being so well cared for and being restored so they will continue to inspire the generations to come

[@moffatt43]

My Father who was in the RAF worked mainly on the Gloster Meteor but I always remember him telling me about the EE Lightening and how much of a awesome beast it was and way ahead of its time. It was when he talked about it tho that his eyes would light up and moisten slightly. We lived next to Duxford before it became the IWM and I remember seeing a lightning there and Dad just being in awe and wanting to touch but not daring too ( I was only about 8 or 9 ). Dad was mad about Aircraft,he hand built a Hanglider back in 77-78 and then built a motorised one in 78-79 which appeared in the Cambridge Evening News when he flew it at Bourne Airfield. His Love of Aircraft was the sound of the Merlins overhead as I grew up,taking me to Duxford digging in the gun pits,me learning to drive on the runway and he built me a Motorised Go-Cart which we took on the Runway. He passed away last year from this Covid but I know he would have loved it knowing that these two fabulous and famous Aircraft are being saved,he believed that they had Souls and they weren’t just objects,we owe these aircraft a debt of gratitude and rememberance for their part they played in our history and don’t deserve to be flung on a Scrap heap,Dad was always mortified telling me about what happened to so many Aircraft from WW2 and the years after that. So great Job people and thanks for your hard work in keeping these iconic Aircraft alive

[@aviovintage]

Thanks for your story. Your father sounds like he was a great guy. Probably had many stories to tell.

[@moffatt43]

@@aviovintage My Father was a incredible Man with so many different stories to tell,from growing up in Newcastle during WW2,joining the RAF as a apprentice and serving in Saudi,his civilian work for Airworks and his life with a wife and son. It wasn’t just his stories he’d tell me tho, it was stories of his Father who was in the Airborne and told him but also the stories he’d heard from my Grandfather and Great Grandfather who was in the Tank regiment in WW1,plus all the stories he’d heard from a variety of people along the way in his many jobs. It’s hard to explain the pride I have for my father and my Love for him but he was a extremely incredible Man and Father who always put others first. I planned his Funeral and I hope I did him proud with his service,I had a song played which I thought was perfect,thank you for being my Dad and the final curtain I had them play the sound of Merlins ( Spitfires from Duxford ) flying overhead and knowing my Father everyday a plane is flying out of Duxford he will be there in the cockpit with the pilots as he is now free to be wherever he wants. I miss him terribly but I have so so many happy memories of growing up and having the privilege of him being my father.

[@garysimpson3900]

Thank you for saving these magnificent & historic aircraft.

[@gemmasish]

Pete Williams name on One aircraft ? Lightning instructor.Later flew them in Saudi before being chief pilot/ manager for Airwork Hunters,Vixens and Canberras at Yeovilton. Lovely man,sadly no longer with us. Passed away in Totnes Devonshire some years ago.

[@kiwis0uth]

One of my first kitset models when I was a kid in the 60's, quite emotional for some strange reason.

[@nicholatraceytracey3452]

Absolutely incredible. Amazing to see all the hard work done to bring pieces of history home where they belong!

[@rar2024]

Excellent video again! Everyone has done a amazing job transporting and building…The lightnings have returned

[@sarahwayment7292]

Great film. Lovely to see both planes home!

[@stevegifford1832]

What a great video! Brilliantly shot and edited, producing a lasting tribute to this incredible aircraft. Always my favorite. Great job by all involved. Hope I get to see these beautiful beasts soon. Thanks to all the dedicated people who look after and restore our aviation legends.

[@deamville]

A moving tribute to two fabulous bits of kit truly back home ...under cover for all to see !

[@herridge819]

Love seeing these wonderful jets. I remember seeing them fly at the Farnborough airshow many years ago, boy were they loud!

[@JR-SCOOT]

I was born in Lincolnshire not far from RAF Binbrook and have many happy memories of these superb jets screaming across the north Lincs sky. Happy days. Congratulations to all involved in rescuing these suberb historical aircraft.

[@stevenlynskey7879]

I admire and respect that all the people involved in making this happen,a big thumbs up to everyone involved,I will definitely be making a trip to RAF Binbrook to see these wonderful aircraft.😊

[@moririchie]

What a great demonstration of teamwork and Newton‘s Law of Motion........👍👍👍

[@burningb2439]

The opening track when it was being lifted was very poignant and the faded Camo matched the surrounding yard , great Vid glad she's back home .

[@alanwaller2861]

Fantastic to see XS416 come home and join XS459.

[@Captain_Scarlet_SIG]

Great to see this, most of us actually care very much about our history & heritage 👍🇬🇧.

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

What an amazing video a big shout out to everyone involved, it just goes to show how mu can be achieved cost and logistics aside. The Lightning without doubt is my all time favourite luckily I got to see some awesome displays over the years. It’s a great shame that the two running aircraft at Bruntingthorpe have not found a new home where we can still witness the sight sound of smell of this wonderful aircraft. We are so privileged here in 🇬🇧 to have so many wonderful enthusiasts and volunteers to look after our aviation heritage. Thanks for sharing this video with us all👍👏👌🇬🇧

[@jimwood9849]

I spent 6 years at Binbrook, some of which I spent working in the electronics and oxygen bay just across from where they are parked. Worked on Meteors and Canberras of 85 sqn and Lightnings of 5 and 11 sqn.

[@buchonite]

Pallets the unsung hero of aircraft restoration

[@davidhull2060]

It's such shame that none of these old warbirds are airworthy. I saw one flying once as a kid....what an amazing machine!

[@stevewyatt9546]

Well done to all involved And thank you for preserving the awesome aircraft

[@JohnSmith-xs4sx]

brings back...no...memories ,other than 2 little unidentifiable plastic jets that came with an U.S. aircraft carrier model when I was a kid ,always wondered what they were ....an I saw some lightning once or twice :)

[@gaz11h]

Nice to see Lightnings returning to Binbrook

[@Sophie-ly5jn]

I'll never forget being at Cranfield when the Lightnings were cut up for scrap. Was such a sad day. As our first supersonic interceptor we should preserve the ones we can for generations to come, part of our aviation history.

[@Mark-ir9gl]

Just need XR724 under cover now 👍👏👏👏

[@Jan-ee4vr]

Wonderful. Amazing footage and team effort to bring these 2 planes back home to where they belong

[@thenightraven60]

Welcome home Ladies. nice to see you back. well done to al that made this happen, it's coming home as they say.

[@davidhale7551]

I remember photographing two Lightnings when they came to Australia for the RAAF 50th. Unfortunatley I dont recall the particular aircraft involved

[@anthonywilson4873]

What a fighter, built to take off fast climb fast and get to Soviet nuclear armed incoming bombers. The English Electric Lightning could do that job better than anything built in those era. Uk went from subsonic Fighters the likes of the Hunter to twice the speed of sound in one Jet, Armed with two fire streak later Redtop Missiles and 30mm Aden Cannons. Held the Worlds fastest climbing record for Decades. What a beast.

[@Lee78072]

Woaa.. they even got they`re own "Q-Shed"

[@paulelberfeld8525]

Wow, glad they are home…

[@Lee78072]

Now there are 3 Lightnings at RAF Binbrook again

[@ALsoutNabout]

I thought that there were two already at Binbrook. Any ideas of the third one and what has happened to it since these two beauties have been given a nice dry home. We'll done to all involved in this project.

[@johnrobbo69]

It's amazing to see the sense of pride, love and community these aircraft provoke. I was at Valley at end of the 80's for probably their last STCAAME visit and am still in awe of their performance take offs. Please look after them, loved them ever since I read "Thunder and Lightnings" book by Jan Mark years before I joined the RAF. All best wishes to the effort.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

I was lucky enough to serve in the RAF in the time of the lightning. When they Left RAF Coltishall sixteen lightnings flew over the hangars as a farewell, as they were over the runway they pointed their noses at the sky and engaged reheat, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as the world shook, I day I will never forget.

[@shingerz]

What a brilliant thing to watch well done all of you 👏 👏👍🇬🇧

[@user-rq2pw6rf1g]

Thankyou so much. All. Xxxxxxxx

[@sturmtigerking4263]

The lightning is my favourite plane. I'm not sure why but I just love it. I loved going to the Bruntingthorpe cold war days to see the jets do fast taxi runs, then would come the lightning which was just something else. Shame I can't see that anymore. Awesome to see 2 T Aircraft together.

[@ianglasse809]

What an uplifting and impressive story and achievement. These airframes ARE an important and integral part of this nation's aviation heritage and our sadly long past aircraft design and engineering prowess. Two training airframes in the one place, and the only place where they should be. Congrats to ALL concerned.

[@paulkirkland3263]

More vital history saved - a huge well done to all involved.

[@andrewgreen7996]

Absolutely great job love too see these beautiful machines

[@Auto-TaT]

Fantastic! We have a Lightning T-Bird as our gate guardian with uncut wings.

[@newton18311]

As a Lad I use to bike out to Binbrook from Grimsby, Just to watch these planes take off and arrive back.

[@adrianrouse5148]

I wonder how many young people saw it being transported. How many knew what it was and what an icon this plane is. Hope they both get built back to look complete

[@harman1967]

Heart breaking to see a Lightning with cut wings, yes it's a big job to dismantle if you don't, I know from personal experience having dismantled a T5 at RAF Newton back in the 80's ( XS 451 which tragically crashed in Overberg AFB Airshow, South Africa in 2009) , all we can hope for is great restoration which I'm sure you guys will do, good work chaps will have to come and visit👍

[@tractorman810]

saw these bad boys many a time on our farm in suffolk, used to sit at night out the front, and watch them screaming on QR calls, after burners glowing blue in the pitch black, sky bar stars

[@steveashforth5097]

I was at Binbrook on 11 Sqn. This video, for me, having worked on the type, is so sad to watch. How the mighty have fallen. At least they're undercover now. Great work guys.

[@teaguey3]

How to store a plane correctly 👌

[@mikemooney3500]

There’s a lightning hanging from a storage centre ceiling in bristol.... literally wet myself when I saw it 😍

[@Andy-qo6rq]

Great video just found your channel do any of you know the location of the famous XR 749 would love to see if it’s still about. Loved watching the lighting as a child beautiful planes.

[@bchdsailor]

Congrats, an extremely good reason to visit England

[@Lee78072]

Its comin Home, Its coming Home......... The Lightning`s coming home.....

[@burningb2439]

Maybe a fortnight since I watched this but it had to be watched again , even for the opening sequence ..what is that sound track ? , the Ariel drone footage is excellent .

[@hughfranklin4002]

It is a absolute crying shame that these two beautiful old ladies have been allowed to get in such a state, they are both the same age as me as i was born towards the end of 1964.

[@MetamorphicWonders]

Tell me you rescued the wings as well? Not just the fuselarge.

[@lightningtown5785]

Yes we did!

[@Cartoonman154]

Shame the Victor at Marham couldn't be saved.

[@steviepee8624]

Amazing....thank you

[@Marie579]

Thought is was unique camouflage scheme green /green till you jet washed it!!! If you’re going to restore it fully i hope you have a LOT of PRC handy oh and wellingtons. Great work though and nice to see there’s not a wrecking crane in sight! Personally i get misty eyed over Tonkers F2 but we all have our cross to bare.!

[@davebell4917]

I do feel it took a little too long to mention Binbrook. It's a strange world where we pay more attention to properly crediting the music than to anything the video is about. It's a bit like "Doctor Who, with ancient electronic music composed by Ron Grainer." It's no wonder the clickbait merchants find it so easy to con us.

[@Peter.w]

Great job guys! Question tho.. what are the longterm plans for them as both wont fit under there with wings attached??

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

Bravo, well done lads !

[@andywilliams1160]

Is this the plane that used to be along side the A1 between Newark and Grantham? I used to travel that route a lot years ago and always looked out for it, but having been down that way recently for the first time in years I noticed it had gone.

[@boblovell5789]

All these questions and two years later no acknowledgments.

[@alistairscott137]

When will the wings arrive ?

[@johnreed3638]

Best British jet fighter aircraft ever designed.

[@Lee78072]

will both get some new Paint in the Future?

[@heyabusa1]

Many thanks to all concerned.

[@alexandermccarthy]

Will either of these warriors be returned to flightworthy condition? And did you go back to pick up the wings?

[@Broadshore]

So... What's the Next move or plan? I'm hoping a FULL Restoration to their original prime? Or close to it?

[@fire3048]

Remember the days when I was stationed there & lived in one of the H blocks, which I see are still there. Also that the aircraft XR724 F6 lightning belonging to the Lightning Association, which I’m a member of. Anyone know if that is still going? Also if the aircraft is still live & have engine runs?

[@stevewyatt9546]

Will the public be able to visit them at all?

[@redlioness6627]

Should have at the least had them both pointing outwards, that would look so much better!

[@Flight72]

I always like how British take care of their heritage! Are these planes to be restored?! Hopefully so!!

[@davekreitzer4358]

So what's next ? Restore them ???

[@gibsondrummer]

They left the wings behind Didnt we see them on the ground ?

[@user-lr6ou4lu6h]

已訂閱,期待你的影片,我會持續追蹤 😍

[@KumaBean]

Homesick angels ✊️

[@Mrtrc33]

Do cool Ian's plane is back 😎

[@themediaman100]

I seem to remember Jeremy Clarkson having one on his front lawn. I wonder what happened to that one?

[@sichere]

@ 7:19 Who on earth was in charge of safety that day ?

[@trevor5486]

safe at your keyboard !!!😂

[@sichere]

@@trevor5486 Says the KB Warrior !

[@trevor5486]

🎉

[@brianstyrczula9466]

You Kay Must invest in dehumidifier roger and out

[@andrewharris3380]

Arrge Whenever I see one of these it makes me sick

[@battz99]

When you look at the technology that was available back in the day you can see how the UK was a world leader and how ahead of its time the Lightning was.

[@trafalgarssn]

Great video after turning the sound off

[@jaywalker3087]

Binbook£ My n favourite posting !

[@arti252]

Worked in the engine bay in 1965/7 didnt like it at all but did love the Lightnings.

[@davidclements6507]

All well and good,an effort to save a historical aircraft all is right in the world then. But as a transport operation it was totally WRONG. NO rotating beacons front and rear (Hazard lights and flashy lights do not count ) NO triangular warning chevrons fitted at the extremeties (flashy llights do not count) Do I think they bothered with the correct legal paperwork, NO So if you think this is being picky,officous,mean spirited etc etc wait until one whacks your Pride and Joy, and then you find out that their Insurance will not pay out because they did not behave in a correct or legal manner. Been there done that 20+ years experience, wide,long and heavy