Lightning 422 - future? AALO exits USA
Discussion
This statement has just popped up on the Anglo American Lightning Organisation's Facebook page. For thos who don't know, AALO has spent the past couple of decades slowly restoring a 2-seat XS422 in America, initially with a goal to ground running and a future eye on flying. The aircraft currently is capable of fast taxi passenger rides.
The AALO statement is notably light on details of what the future holds for 422, and where the SA jet is going to be based (surely they'd be mad to keep in SA given the current government efforts to transform the country into a new Zimbabwe?).
AALO said:
Announcement *** AALO exits USA to focus on XS452 back to flight project ***
In 1997, the Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) was founded by Andrew Brodie, Jon Roth, Phil Wallis and Max Waldron. We acquired an English Electric Lightning T5, XS422 in the UK and relocated it to Stennis, USA, where it has been meticulously restored back to fast taxi capability.
The project has been led by Chief Engineer Phil Wallis, supported by a regular team of engineers, namely Dave Yates, Dave Tylee, Simon Johnson, Milton Roach, Kelvin Ware, Steve Browning and Jason Skinner. However, over the years many other engineers have also contributed such as Geoff Commins, Rory Elliot, and Nic Woodhouse to name but a few. We are also thankful to pilot Will Ward who has helped us over the years and has fast taxied XS422 on several occasions at Stennis International Airport.
Without the help and support of these volunteers it would not have been possible to reach the position we are in today. It has been a remarkable achievement to all those involved who have selflessly given up their time to support the project over the years. The dedication and commitment of everyone involved has been truly remarkable; And we would like to thank them.
In September 2023, AALO acquired a second Lightning T5, XS452 (formerly ZU BBD) and the entire spares inventory from Hangar 51 PTY in South Africa. After inspecting the aircraft and assessing the supporting equipment and spares, AALO believes we now have a package that is capable of returning a Lightning back to flight and meeting our operational requirements.
After much consideration and with a heavy heart, AALO has decided to exit the USA and will no longer be involved in the restoration project of XS422. We will now dedicate our efforts to return XS452 back to flight by 2026.
Today we are launching our new website www.aalo.club to keep our supporters up to date with all the latest news and information regarding the restoration project. You can also keep up to date on our Facebook page www.facebok.com/AALOclub and at our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@aaloclub
As we close the door on the USA, we continue with the same team, and the same dream to return a Lightning back to flight.
We invite you to continue to support us.
It now seems they've gone and bought the South African plane that I assume has been in limbo ever since the fatal crash of its sister some years ago (which, IIRC, was down to poor maintenance?). In 1997, the Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) was founded by Andrew Brodie, Jon Roth, Phil Wallis and Max Waldron. We acquired an English Electric Lightning T5, XS422 in the UK and relocated it to Stennis, USA, where it has been meticulously restored back to fast taxi capability.
The project has been led by Chief Engineer Phil Wallis, supported by a regular team of engineers, namely Dave Yates, Dave Tylee, Simon Johnson, Milton Roach, Kelvin Ware, Steve Browning and Jason Skinner. However, over the years many other engineers have also contributed such as Geoff Commins, Rory Elliot, and Nic Woodhouse to name but a few. We are also thankful to pilot Will Ward who has helped us over the years and has fast taxied XS422 on several occasions at Stennis International Airport.
Without the help and support of these volunteers it would not have been possible to reach the position we are in today. It has been a remarkable achievement to all those involved who have selflessly given up their time to support the project over the years. The dedication and commitment of everyone involved has been truly remarkable; And we would like to thank them.
In September 2023, AALO acquired a second Lightning T5, XS452 (formerly ZU BBD) and the entire spares inventory from Hangar 51 PTY in South Africa. After inspecting the aircraft and assessing the supporting equipment and spares, AALO believes we now have a package that is capable of returning a Lightning back to flight and meeting our operational requirements.
After much consideration and with a heavy heart, AALO has decided to exit the USA and will no longer be involved in the restoration project of XS422. We will now dedicate our efforts to return XS452 back to flight by 2026.
Today we are launching our new website www.aalo.club to keep our supporters up to date with all the latest news and information regarding the restoration project. You can also keep up to date on our Facebook page www.facebok.com/AALOclub and at our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@aaloclub
As we close the door on the USA, we continue with the same team, and the same dream to return a Lightning back to flight.
We invite you to continue to support us.
The AALO statement is notably light on details of what the future holds for 422, and where the SA jet is going to be based (surely they'd be mad to keep in SA given the current government efforts to transform the country into a new Zimbabwe?).
Well this thread certainly generated some debate!
And if they start restricting complex stuff, do they restrict it equally? Collings foundation have not long got their Phantom flying, but they're a big outfit vs one rich guy having an indulgence.....
aeropilot said:
The rule makers have effectively put a stop to the two Swiss Hunter's now, with their 2-seater being sold to one the Canadian owned military contractor over there
I didn't know that! That's quite the disappointment, I'd been hoping to buy a flight in it in the near future (Having already sampled the T.11 Vampire over here, I'd wanted to work my way "up the generations")..... Bummer.....aeropilot said:
It remains to be seen if the FAA change some of the rules over there in the wake of the MiG-23 crash last year, which only by an astonishing stroke of luck didn't take anyone out on the ground, and from a flying handling pov, those things are notoriously not the ideal thing that should be flying at an airshow, and makes a Lightning and a Harrier look the safest thing in the air.
There are likely some further big changes coming over there in the wake of the Dallas P-63/B-17 air to air as well.
The A2A crash was pure idiocy from the ground controllers changing up the display pattern though, nothing to do with the aircraft or their airworthiness?There are likely some further big changes coming over there in the wake of the Dallas P-63/B-17 air to air as well.
And if they start restricting complex stuff, do they restrict it equally? Collings foundation have not long got their Phantom flying, but they're a big outfit vs one rich guy having an indulgence.....
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