ENGLISH ELECTRIC LIGHTNING F53

This aircraft, coded 53-682, served with the Royal Saudi Air Force from 1968 until 1986. It served with the RSAF 2nd and 6th squadrons and was used to fight rebel forces in the 1970s. On the return flight from RSAF Tabuk to Warton this aircraft, now with the RAF code ZF584, was piloted by Flt/Lt Mike Catterton.
In total 22 lightnings returned from Saudi Arabia and were immediately placed into open storage for the next four years. ZF584 was then presented to Ferranti at South Gyle in Edinburgh where it was placed on a plinth outside the establishment. When the factory closed Premier Property Group bought the site and with it the Lightning which they gifted to the museum.