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British Aircraft Corporation Ltd (Preston Division)
Lightning F.53, Saudi Arabia Production batch, 33 aircraft.

53-666; C/N 95205; ex-XR722(F 6). ff 23-1-65. Modified to F 53 and first flight as such 19-10-66 serialled G27-2. 28-8-69 RSAF; served with 1 Squadron, 2 Squadron ('201'). 6-2-72 crashed while on loan to 6 Squadron. Total hours flown 364h.

53-667; G27-37; C/N 95272 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 13-7-67 Samlesbury. To Saudi Arabia, 20-9-68, pilot Flt Lt Mace; to Dhahran, 15-4-70, ex-storage; to No 2 Squadron 202; damaged in engine fire on ground, Dhahran, 15-4-73.Served with 2 Squadron ('202'), 13 Squadron ('1301'), 2 Squadron ('221'). 3-9-85 crashed 28 miles north of Tabuk after reheat fire.

53-668; G27-38; C/N 95273 ff R.P. Beamont 4-9-67 Samlesbury. To Saudi Arabia, 8-11-68, pilot P. Ginger, with 53-670. To Khamis Mushayt 21-6-72. Stored before issue to No 6 Squadron. Served with 6 Squadron, 2 Squadron ('201', then 'A'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk, non-stop as ZF577. Total hours flown 2071h 36m.

53-669; G27-39; C/N 95274 ff J. Cockburn 12-9-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 11-10-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-671. Served as reserve aircraft, stored at Riyadh for much of its life, 1971. 21-4-79 crashed near Tabuk after running out of fuel.

53-670; G27-40; C/N 95275 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 12-10-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 8-11-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-668. Storage at Riyadh, 1971.Served with 2 Squadron ('202', then 'B'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF578. Total hours flown 1886h 18m

53-671; G27-41; C/N 95276 ff J. Cockburn 2-11-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 11-10-68, pilot P. Millet. To Dhahran, 1-71, No 2 Squadron 203 then 'C', 8-70. 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF579. Total hours flown 2119h 42m.

53-672; G27-42; C/N 95277 ff R.P. Beamont 28-11-67 Samlesbury. Used for Kuwait demonstration on 7th flight. To Jeddah, 18-11-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-674. To Dhahran, 1-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron ('204', then 'D'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF580. Total hours flown 2304h 54m.

53-673; G27-43; C/N 95278 ff R.P. Beamont 4-12-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-8-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-678. Storage at Riyadh, 9-71. Served as '302', then 2 Squadron ('205'). 22-9-80 collided with 53-680 and crashed, Khamis Mushayt.

53-674; G27-44; C/N 95279 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 12-12-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 18-11-68, pilot Flt Lt Girdler, with 53-672. To Dhahran, 22-1-70, to 2 Squadron 205, 8-70. Crashed, 28-9-72, off coast of Bahrain. Abdul Jussef killed. Weather diversion.

53-675; G27-45; C/N 95280 ff R.P. Beamont 19-12-67 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 16-9-68, pilot Flt Lt Anders, with 53-679. Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. Served with 2 Squadron ('206' then 'E'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF581. Total hours flown 1972h 42m.

53-676; G27-46; C/N 95281 ff R.P. Beamont 15-1-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 20-9-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-667. Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. Served with 2 Squadron ('210', then 'G' then '207', then 'F'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF582. Total hours flown 1881h 24m.

53-677; G27-47; C/N 95282 ff P. Ginger 31-1-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, pilot P. Ginger 23-7-68, with 53-680.Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. Served with 2 Squadron ('208'). 4-9-83 crashed at night.

53-678; G27-48; C/N 95283 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 13-2-68 Samlesbury. Last F 53 built at Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-8-68, pilot P. Millet, with 53-673. Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. 21-4-79 crashed during sandstorm after running out of fuel.

53-679; G27-49; C/N 95284 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 4-3-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 16-9-68, pilot P. Ginger, with 53-675, to Dhahran, 7-4-70; to 2 Squadron 206, 8-70; loaned to 6 Squadron, 2-72; transferred to 6 Squadron, 4-72. Served with 2 Squadron ('206'), 6 Squadron, 13 Squadron ('1302'), 2 Squadron ('220', then 'S'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF590. Total hours flown 2281h 36m.

53-680; G27-50; C/N 95285 ff R.P. Beamont 18-3-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-7-68, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-677; to Khamis Mushayt 21-6-72.Served with 6 Squadron ('305'). 22-9-80 destroyed in collision with 53-673.

53-681; G27-51; C/N 95286 ff R.P. Beamont 28-3-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 1-7-68, pilot T.M.S. Ferguson, with 53-862. First true export Lightning delivery. To Khamis Mushayt, 7-9-72. Served with 6 Squadron ('306'), 2 Squadron ('210', then 'H'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF583. Total hours flown 1885h 6m. This was the last Lightning flown by R.P. Beamont before retiring from test flying Lightnings.

53-682; G27-52; C/N 95287 ff P. Millet 5-4-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 1-7-68, pilot J. Cockburn, with 53-681. To Khamis Mushayt, 7-9-72 to 6 Squadron. 'Bird-strike' in 1974, resulting in new fin being fitted. Served with 6 Squadron ('307'), 2 Squadron ('211', then 'J'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF584. Total hours flown 1975h.

53-683; G27-53; C/N 95288 ff J.L. Dell 23-4-68 Samlesbury. To Saudi Arabia, 11-3-69, pilot A. Love. To Khamis Mushayt, 5-12-69; to Dhahran, 7-70. 2 Squadron 207, 9-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron ('207', then '212', then 'K'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF585. Total hours flown 2052h 18m.

53-684; G27-54; C/N 95289 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 10-5-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 18-11-68, pilot J. Cockburn, with 53-689; to Dhahran, 25-1-70; to 2 Squadron 208, 8-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron ('208'), 13 Squadron ('1303'). Crashed on take-off from Dhahran 30-6-80.

53-685; G27-55; C/N 95290 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 29-5-68 Samlesbury. To Saudi Arabia, 31-1-69, pilot P. Ginger, with 53-691; to Dhahran, 16-4-70; to 2 Squadron 209, 8-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron ('209'), 13 Squadron ('1304'), 2 Squadron ('222', then 'U'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF591. Total hours flown 2110h 24m.

53-686; G27-56; C/N 95291 G-AWON ff T.M.S. Ferguson 11-6-68 Samlesbury. Static display at 1968 Farnborough show as improved F 53 with large stores' array and in Queen's Award markings. To Saudi Arabia, 16/ 17-4-69, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-687and 53-688. To Khamis Mushayt. 7-12-69; to 2 Squadron 210, 8-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron('201'), 13 Squadron ('1305'), 2 Squadron ('223', then 'V'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton from Tabuk as ZF592. Total hours flown 2297h 12m.

53-687; G27-57; C/N 95293, G-AWOO ff P. Millet 5-7-68 Samlesbury. Flying display at 1968 Farnborough show, carried G-AWOO in plaque in cockpit but not externally. To Jeddah, 17-4-69, pilot D. Eagles, with 53-686 and 53-688. To Khamis Mushayt, 7-12-69; to 2 Squadron 5-70; to LCU, 8-70. Served with LCU, 2 Squadron ('F'), LCU, 13 Squadron ('1306'), 2 Squadron ('224'). Withdrawn from use, Tabuk, approx late 84.

53-688; G27-58; C/N 95294 ff P. Ginger 12-7-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 17-4-69, pilot Flt Lt Carrol, with 53-686 and 53-687. To Khamis Mushayt, 12-69; to 6 Squadron, 3-70.Served with LCU, 6 Squadron, 2 Squadron ('213', then 'L'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton as ZF586. Total hours flown 1938h 48m.

53-689; G27-59; C/N 95295 ff P. Ginger 17-7-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 18-11-68, pilot Flt Lt Craig, with 53-684. Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. Served with 2 Squadron ('J', then '214'). 27-7-84 crashed Tabuk. Total hours flown 1781h 12m.

53-690; G27-60; C/N 95296 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 20-8-68 Samlesbury. Crashed, 4-9-68, at Pilling (Fylde) after total control failure. J. Cockburn ejected safely. Fourth flight.

53-691; G27-61; C/N 95297 ff J. Cockburn 29-8-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 31-1-69, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-685. Storage at Riyadh, 4-71. Served with 2 Squadron('215' then 'N'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton as ZF587. Total hours flown 1947h 24m.

53-692; G27-62; C/N 95298 ff J. Cockburn 24-9-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 17-4-69, pilot A. Love, with 53-686, 53-687 and 53-688. To Khamis Mushayt, 12-69; to 6 Squadron, 3-70; damaged at Khamis Mushayt, mid-1974, after engaging barrier. Served with 6 Squadron (experimental camouflage, coded 'L'), 13 Squadron ('1307'), 2 Squadron ('225' then 'X'). 22-1-86 returned to Warton as ZF593. Total hours flown 2130h 6m

53-693; G27-63; C/N 95300 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 9-10-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-5-69, pilot A. Love, with 53-695, 53-415 and 53-417. To Khamis Mushayt, 3-12-69; to 2 Squadron, 7-70; to LCU, 8-70. Served with 2 Squadron ('L'), LCU, 2 Squadron ('216' then 'O'). 14-1-86 returnd to Warton as ZF588. Total hours flown 2005h 12m.

53-694; G27-64; C/N 95301 ff P. Millet 17-10-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 3-6-69, pilot Flt Lt Molloand, with 53-696. To Khamis Mushayt, 3-12-69; to LCU 10-11-70. Cat 3 damage, 1-72, after engaging barrier. Flash fire, Dhahran, 18-4-73. 11-9-76 crashed near Khamis after spin.

53-695; G27-65; C/N 95302 ff J.L. Dell 30-10-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-5-69, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-693,53-415 and 53-417. To 6 Squadron, 3-70; at Riyadh for modifications, 24-11-72. Served with 6 Squadron, 2 Squadron ('M' and '217'). 28-9-81 destroyed in Tabuk on training sortie.

53-696; G27-66; C/N 95303 ff J. Cockburn 14-11-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 3-6-69, pilot R. Ingham, with 53-694. Cat 3 fire damage 9-7-69; stored until 11-70, then to LCU. Served with LCU, 13 Squadron ('1308'), 2 Squadron ('226' and 'Y'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton as ZF584. Total hours flown 2057h 6m.

53-697; G27-67; C/N 95304 ff D. Eagles 29-11-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 26-8-69, pilot P. Millet, with 53-419. Crashed, 3-5-70, near Yemeni border during reconnaissance after being hit by ground fire, pilot ejected, fate not known.

53-698; G27-68; C/N 95305 ff D. Eagles 18-12-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 3-6-69, pilot A. Love, with 53-699; to Khamis Mushayt, 3-12-69; to 2 Squadron, 7-70; to LCU, 8-70. Served with 2 Squadron, LCU, 13 Squadron ('1309'), 2 Squadron ('219'). Withdrawn approx 84.

53-699; G27-69; C/N 95306 ff J. Cockburn 23-12-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 3-6-69, pilot Flt Lt Blatchford, with 53-698. To Khamis Mushayt, 12-69; to 6 Squadron, 3-70; to Riyadh for modification, 24-11-72. Served with 6 Squadron, 13 Squadron ('1310'), 2 Squadron ('227'). 8-85 installed on plinth at Tabuk, by BAe.

British Aircraft Corporation Ltd (Preston Division)
Lightning F 53, Saudi Arabia Production batch, one aircraft.

53-700; G27-223; C/N 95317 ff P. Ginger 29-6-72 Samlesbury. Last production Lightning, half-built airframe completed to replace 53-690, which crashed before delivery. To Saudi Arabia, 4-9-72. Non-stop to Khamis Mushayt (07.30 Warton, 14.30 Khamis Mushayt). To 6 Squadron. Served with 6 Squadron, 2 Squadron ('218', then 'Q'). 14-1-86 returned to Warton as ZF589. Total hours flown 2045h 6m.

British Aircraft Corporation Ltd (Preston Division)
Lightning F 53, Kuwait Production batch, 12 aircraft.

53-412; G27-80; C/N 95292 ff P. Millet 21-6-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, with 55-410, 18-12-68, pilot Flt Lt Malland. Coded 'C'. Stored early 80s.

53-413; G27-81; C/N 95299 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 13-9-68 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 25-3-69, pilot Sqn Ldr Crumbie, with 53-414. Coded 'E' SOC during 1975.

53-414; G27-82; C/N 95307 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 21-11-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 25-3-69, pilot Flt Lt Brimson, with 53-413. Coded 'F'. Crashed, 10-4-71, on approach to airfield, into shanty town, three civilians killed, pilot Razzak died on way to hospital.

53-415; G27-83; C/N 95308 ff P. Millet 12-2-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-5-69, pilot Capt Lopp CAF, with 53-417, 53-693 and 53-695. Coded 'H'.

53-416; G27-84; C/N 95309 ff D. Eagles 25-2-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 11-7-69, pilot Wing Commander Blucke, with 53-418, 55-712 and 55-714. Coded 'J'. Stored in 1969.

53-417; G27-85; C/N 95310 ff J.L. Dell 14-3-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 23-5-69, pilot Wing Commander Swart, with 53-415, 53-693 and 53-695. Coded 'K'.

53-418; G27-86; C/N 95311 G-AXEE ff D. Eagles 25-4-69 Samlesbury. Appeared at Paris Salon 1969 as G-AXEE and '512'. To Jeddah, 11-7-69, pilot Flt Lt Pengelly, with 53-416, 55-712 and 55-714. Coded 'L'.

53-419; G27-87; C/N 95312 G-AXFW ff P. Ginger 20-5-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 26-8-69, pilot Flt Lt Fawcett, with 53-697. Coded 'M'. Destroyed 2-8-71 at Rezayat, in take-off accident. Lt Nasser unhurt. Total hours flown 84h 15m.

53-420; G27-88; C/N 95313 ff P. Millet 8-5-69 Samlesbury. To Kuwait International Airport 19-7-69, via Akrotiri, Turkey and Iran, pilot Sqn Ldr Durham, with 53-412. Coded 'N'. Written off in accident, details not known.

53-421; G27-89; C/N 95314 ff P. Millet 18-6-69 Samlesbury. To Kuwait International Airport 19-7-69 via Akrotiri, Turkey and Iran, pilot Flt Lt Nicholls, with 53-420. Coded 'O'.

53-422; G27-90; C/N 95315 ff J. Cockburn 18-8-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 4-12-69, pilot Flt Lt Bedwin, via Akrotiri. Coded 'P'.

53-423; G27-91; C/N 95316 ff J. Cockburn 11-9-69 Samlesbury. To Jeddah, 3-12-69, pilot Flt Lt Jackson, via Akrotiri. Coded 'R'.