English Electric Lightning T5, ZU-BBD / B/95012, Preserved
This picture is © Alex von Gossler and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: ZU-BBD
Construction Number: B/95012
Code Number: ZU-BBD
Model English Electric Lightning T5
Operator: Preserved
Airport: Cape Town - International (CPT / FACT), South Africa
Photographer: Alex von Gossler
Date Taken: 27/11/2023
Date Submitted: 27/11/2023
XS452 was exported to Cape Town, South Africa and first flew with her new serial, ZU-BBD in 2001. ZU-BBD (affectionately known as "Big Bad Dog") was privately owned by Mike Beachy-head and was part of his extensive collection of Cold War-era fighters at Thunder City located at Cape Town International Airport in South Africa. Between 2001 and 2009 Thunder City offered joy rides to the paying public. ZU-BBD made many appearances at Airshows throughout her South African career, but this came to a sad end after the CAA revoked her approval due to maintenance concerns following the tragic crash of her sister ship ZU-BEX (Formerly XS451) XS452 can be seen being packed up for export to new owner "AArLO" after she was briefly owned by Hanger 51. Her destination is still unclear at this time but sources say that she will go to USA or Dubai with plans to get her airborne once again. XS425 may be the last flying EE Lightning left in the world.
Picture ID:1866971