Aircraft to ‘jet in’ to BAE

Artists impression of gate guardians at BAE Samlesbury

BAE Systems staff will be greeted with the sight of two Lightning aircraft guarding the gates at one of their factories.

The jets are to be put in place at the Samlesbury site which manufactures parts for the Typhoon assembled at Warton and also assembles parts for the new F-35 Lightning.

A full sized model of the F35 will join an English Electric Lightning from the 60s on display from next summer.

Ian Wood, Samlesbury Site Director said: “The Lancashire weather had really taken its toll on the previous Lightning aircraft and it got to a point where we had to remove it. When that happened, we were inundated with calls and concerns from employees and members of the community. That aircraft was part of our identity. Part of our proud heritage. That’s why I’m delighted to share our plans for two new gate guardians in 2014.”

The English Electric Lightning holds a special place in the history of the North West and the Company. It was the first completely British designed and built fighter aircraft able to fly at twice the speed of sound.

The Lockheed Martin-led F-35 Lightning II is a stealthy, multi-role, all weather attack aircraft that can operate from land and sea.

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