When did the Lightning prototype break Mach 2?

Short answer

On 25 November 1958: that day the P.1B XA847 prototype, flown by Roland Beamont, reached Mach 2 for the first time in a British aircraft. The same aircraft had exceeded Mach 1 on its first flight, on 4 April 1957, also with Beamont. The type had been named Lightning in May 1956.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

When did the Lightning prototype break Mach 2?

English Electric Lightning F 1 ‘XM135 - BAlan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK (CC BY SA), vía commons

From the P.1 to the name Lightning

On 4 August 1954 the WG760 made its first flight from Boscombe Down with Roland Beamont at the controls. A week later the WG760 officially achieved supersonic flight for the first time, exceeding the speed of sound on its third flight. In May 1956 the P.1 was given the name "Lightning", chosen in part, it was said, to reflect the aircraft's supersonic capabilities.

Mach 2 with the P.1B XA847

Three P.1B prototypes were built, with the serials XA847, XA853 and XA856. On 4 April 1957 Beamont made the first flight of the P.1B XA847 and exceeded Mach 1 during that same flight. On 25 November 1958 the P.1B XA847, again with Beamont at the controls, reached Mach 2 for the first time in a British aircraft.

On to the squadrons

The first versions of the Lightning were fitted with the AI.23 monopulse radar developed by Ferranti. The Lightning F.1 entered front-line service with 74 Squadron, commanded by Squadron Leader John "Johnny" Howe, at Coltishall from 11 July 1960.