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The '''Lightning''' is mainly used for establishing air superiority due to its increased manouverability over the [[Thunderbolt]]. It is often seen and heard plummeting from orbit or being scrambled from naval bases.
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{{ImperialNavyPortal}}
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[[Image:LightningArt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A squadron of Lightnings{{Fn|1}}]]
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The '''Lightning''' fighter craft is mainly used by the [[Imperial Navy]] for establishing air superiority due to its increased maneuverability over the [[Thunderbolt]]. It is often seen and heard plummeting from orbit or being scrambled from naval bases.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The STC data for the Lightning was discovered during the [[Saint-Saen Crusade]], which liberated twelve worlds in [[Segmentum Obscurus]]. They were found on [[Karnak II]] by an [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] explorator team and the designs immediatly given to the Adeptus Mechanicus lords of [[Cypra Mundi]]. Over 500 years later the designs were finally approved for production in supplying fleet carriers and cruisers. The designs have slowly been leaked to the navy worlds of [[Bakka]] and [[Hydraphur]] and Lightnings are now more commonly seen alongside the Thunderbolt in both [[Segmentum Tempestus]] and [[Segmentum Pacificus]].
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The [[STC]] data for the Lightning was discovered during the [[Saint-Saen Crusade]], which liberated twelve worlds in [[Segmentum Obscurus]]. They were found on [[Karnak II]] by an [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] [[Explorator]] team and the designs immediately given to the Mechanicus Lords of [[Cypra Mundi]]. It would take over five hundred years of research and trials, including readings of the [[Emperor's Tarot]] and cross-referencing with the archives of [[Mars]], before the designs were finally approved for production in supplying fleet carriers and cruisers of [[Battlefleet|Battlefleet Obscurus]]. Since then the designs have slowly been disseminated to the Navy worlds of [[Bakka]] and [[Hydraphur]] and Lightnings are now commonly seen alongside the Thunderbolt in both [[Segmentum Tempestus]] and [[Segmentum Pacificus]].{{Fn|1}}
  
==In the 41st Millennium==
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==Tactical Role==
The main role of the aircraft is to engage enemy craft and establish air-superiority over a battlefield. They are often based on orbiting ships or air-strips on the surface, they are used on patrols, interception missions and to cover [[Marauder]] missions. It is also armed with [[Hellstrike]] missiles making it good at ground attack. Often they are used in combination with [[Imperial Guard]] regiments and can be called in by Imperial commanders.
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The main role of the aircraft is to engage enemy craft and establish air-superiority over a battlefield, with a secondary mission of providing air escort for [[Marauder Bomber]]s.{{Fn|1}} For this reason they are often based on orbiting ships or forward air bases, where their rocket booster allows them to quickly take off and engage enemy air forces.  Ground-based Lightnings can also benefit from hydraulic "fast-launch" ramps which, in combination with their rocket booster engine, provides better acceleration and faster take-off time than conventional VTOL craft.  Standard practice has three to four Lightnings so poised in a constant state of readiness. Although not their primary function, Lightnings may also act as a ground attack aircraft, with free license to attack targets of opportunity. This role however is better suited to the [[Lightning Strike]].{{Fn|1}}
  
==Navy wings known to contain Lightnings==
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==Technical Specifications==
*[[2774th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing|Imperial 2774th Navy Fighter Wing]] - Wyrm squadron
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The Lightning uses a swept-wing design and twin F100-XB afterburning turbofans to give it superior speed and better rate of climb and dive compared to the [[Thunderbolt]], although it is lighter, less rugged and more demanding on maintenance crews.  Like the Thunderbolt, it also features a rocket booster engine which allows for quick take-offs when using a "fast-launch" ramp and for limited operational capability in space, although it is not a true "starfighter" like the [[Fury Interceptor]].{{Fn|1}}
*[[3035th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing|Imperial 3035th Navy Fighter Wing]] - Firedrake squadron
 
*[[717th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing|Imperial 717th Navy Fighter Wing]] - Warhawk squadron
 
 
 
==Armament and Upgrades==
 
The Lightning is armed with a long-barrelled [[Autocannon]] and [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]]. It may also take up to 4 [[Hellstrike Missiles]] and be upgraded with an [[Ejector Seat]], [[Flare or Chaff Launcher]], [[Armoured Cockpit]], [[Infra-red Targeting]], [[Illum Flares]] and [[Distinctive Paint Scheme or Decals]].
 
  
 +
Standard armament for the Lightning is a long-barrelled, ventral-mounted [[Autocannon]] and [[twin-linked]] [[Lascannons]] on the wing tips.  Four wing hardpoints allows it to carry up to four [[Hellstrike Missile]]s, [[Hellfury Missile]]s, [[Bomb]]s or six [[Skystrike Missile]]s.  Other standard systems includes a pair of Parallax tracking augers located in the nose section, while many will mount [[Imperial Aircraft Upgrades|additional equipment]].{{Fn|2}}
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[[Image: lightning1.jpg|thumb|right|200 px|Imperial Lightning air superiority fighter.]]
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[[Image: lightning2.jpg|thumb|right|200 px|Lightning rear view.]]
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
 
|Type=Air Superiority Fighter
 
|Type=Air Superiority Fighter
Line 26: Line 26:
 
|Wingspan=13.75m
 
|Wingspan=13.75m
 
|Height=3.4m with landing gear down
 
|Height=3.4m with landing gear down
|Operational Ceiling=36,000m, with fet engines
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|Operational Ceiling=36,000m, with jet engines
 
|Max Speed=2400kph
 
|Max Speed=2400kph
|Range=8000kph
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|Range=8000km
 
|Main Armament=2x wing-mounted [[Lascannons]], ventral-mounted long barrelled [[Autocannon]]
 
|Main Armament=2x wing-mounted [[Lascannons]], ventral-mounted long barrelled [[Autocannon]]
 
|Secondary Armament=4x [[Hellstrike Missiles]]
 
|Secondary Armament=4x [[Hellstrike Missiles]]
Line 36: Line 36:
 
|Hull Armour=30mm
 
|Hull Armour=30mm
 
}}
 
}}
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==Variants==
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[[Image:VossLightning.jpg|thumb|right|Voss Pattern Lightning Strike Fighter{{Fn|3}}]]
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===Voss Pattern Lightning Strike Fighter===
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Also called the '''Primaris Lightning Strike Fighter''', its design dates back to the [[Great Crusade]] where it was created by [[Magos|Archmagos-Arbiter]] [[Sykosk Thule]].{{Fn|4}} Originating from the [[Forge World]] of [[Voss Prime]], the 'Strike' variant of the Lightning is designed for a fighter-bomber role. It is normally equipped with a potent armament of twin-linked [[Lascannon]]s and six [[Hellstrike Missile]]s or [[Rad Missile]]s.{{Fn|3}}
  
==Sources==
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At the time of its introduction, the aircraft represented a new paradigm in aerial warfare for the Imperial, being powered by a forced-plasma ramjet drive and optimized for the most sophisticated munitions available. However the pattern proved extremely costly to produce and could only be handled by the most experienced pilots.{{Fn|4}}
*[[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]]
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 +
===Lightning Strike===
 +
*{{Main|Lightning Strike}}
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The '''Lightning Strike''' is a dedicated close air support variant of the standard Lightning air superiority fighter.
 +
 
 +
==Navy wings known to contain Lightnings==
 +
*[[2774th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Wyrm squadron
 +
*[[3035th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Firedrake squadron
 +
*[[717th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Warhawk squadron
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
 
*[[List of Imperial Aircraft]]
 
*[[List of Imperial Aircraft]]
*[[List of named Imperial Aircraft]]
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*[[List of Imperial Navy Wings]]
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 +
==Sources==
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*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]], pgs. 216, 223
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*{{Endn|2}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II]], pg. 25
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*{{Endn|3}}: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Imperial_Navy/VOSS_PATTERN_LIGHTNING_STRIKE_FIGHTER.html ''(last accessed 21 May 2015)''
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*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre]] pg.199
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[[Category:Imperial Navy]]
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{{ImpShips}}
[[Category:Vehicles]]
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[[Category:Flyers]]
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[[Category:Imperial Aircraft]]
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[[de:Lightning]]

Revision as of 11:15, 21 May 2015

A squadron of Lightnings[1]

The Lightning fighter craft is mainly used by the Imperial Navy for establishing air superiority due to its increased maneuverability over the Thunderbolt. It is often seen and heard plummeting from orbit or being scrambled from naval bases.

History

The STC data for the Lightning was discovered during the Saint-Saen Crusade, which liberated twelve worlds in Segmentum Obscurus. They were found on Karnak II by an Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator team and the designs immediately given to the Mechanicus Lords of Cypra Mundi. It would take over five hundred years of research and trials, including readings of the Emperor's Tarot and cross-referencing with the archives of Mars, before the designs were finally approved for production in supplying fleet carriers and cruisers of Battlefleet Obscurus. Since then the designs have slowly been disseminated to the Navy worlds of Bakka and Hydraphur and Lightnings are now commonly seen alongside the Thunderbolt in both Segmentum Tempestus and Segmentum Pacificus.[1]

Tactical Role

The main role of the aircraft is to engage enemy craft and establish air-superiority over a battlefield, with a secondary mission of providing air escort for Marauder Bombers.[1] For this reason they are often based on orbiting ships or forward air bases, where their rocket booster allows them to quickly take off and engage enemy air forces. Ground-based Lightnings can also benefit from hydraulic "fast-launch" ramps which, in combination with their rocket booster engine, provides better acceleration and faster take-off time than conventional VTOL craft. Standard practice has three to four Lightnings so poised in a constant state of readiness. Although not their primary function, Lightnings may also act as a ground attack aircraft, with free license to attack targets of opportunity. This role however is better suited to the Lightning Strike.[1]

Technical Specifications

The Lightning uses a swept-wing design and twin F100-XB afterburning turbofans to give it superior speed and better rate of climb and dive compared to the Thunderbolt, although it is lighter, less rugged and more demanding on maintenance crews. Like the Thunderbolt, it also features a rocket booster engine which allows for quick take-offs when using a "fast-launch" ramp and for limited operational capability in space, although it is not a true "starfighter" like the Fury Interceptor.[1]

Standard armament for the Lightning is a long-barrelled, ventral-mounted Autocannon and twin-linked Lascannons on the wing tips. Four wing hardpoints allows it to carry up to four Hellstrike Missiles, Hellfury Missiles, Bombs or six Skystrike Missiles. Other standard systems includes a pair of Parallax tracking augers located in the nose section, while many will mount additional equipment.[2]

File:Lightning1.jpg
Imperial Lightning air superiority fighter.
File:Lightning2.jpg
Lightning rear view.
Technical Specifications
Type Air Superiority Fighter Operational Ceiling 36,000m, with jet engines
Vehicle Name Lightning Max Speed 2400kph
Forge World of Origin Cypra-Mundi Range 8000km
Known Patterns III-IX Main Armament 2x wing-mounted Lascannons, ventral-mounted long barrelled Autocannon
Crew Pilot Secondary Armament 4x Hellstrike Missiles
Powerplant 2x F100-XB Afterburning Turbofans Main Ammunition 30 shots from battery packs
Weight 10 tonnes empty Secondary Ammunition 100 rounds
Length 10.8m Armour
Wingspan 13.75m Superstructure 45mm
Height 3.4m with landing gear down Hull 30mm


Variants

Voss Pattern Lightning Strike Fighter[3]

Voss Pattern Lightning Strike Fighter

Also called the Primaris Lightning Strike Fighter, its design dates back to the Great Crusade where it was created by Archmagos-Arbiter Sykosk Thule.[4] Originating from the Forge World of Voss Prime, the 'Strike' variant of the Lightning is designed for a fighter-bomber role. It is normally equipped with a potent armament of twin-linked Lascannons and six Hellstrike Missiles or Rad Missiles.[3]

At the time of its introduction, the aircraft represented a new paradigm in aerial warfare for the Imperial, being powered by a forced-plasma ramjet drive and optimized for the most sophisticated munitions available. However the pattern proved extremely costly to produce and could only be handled by the most experienced pilots.[4]

Lightning Strike

The Lightning Strike is a dedicated close air support variant of the standard Lightning air superiority fighter.

Navy wings known to contain Lightnings

Related Articles

Sources



Imperial Navy Ships
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Grand Cruisers AvengerExorcistVengeanceFurious
Battlecruisers ArmageddonMarsOverlordChaliceDominionMercuryLong Serpent
Cruisers DictatorDominatorGothicLunarTyrantCardinalAggressorAmbition
Light Cruisers DauntlessDefiantEndeavourEnduranceEnforcerDefenderSiluriaStyges
Heavy Frigates TurbulentInvictorInexorable
Frigates SwordFirestormTempestFalchionHavoc
Destroyers CobraViperStalwartConstrictor
Corvettes Claymore
Support Armed FreighterCarrackCastellanCetaceusCetaceaConstellationDefense MonitorEscort CarriersFast ClipperFuel TransportOrionQ-ShipTaraskTroop TransportHeavy TransportUniverseGolgothaViper
Attack Craft Faustus InterceptorFury InterceptorStarhawkShark Assault Boat
Planetary Aircraft AvengerChiropteranLightning (Strike) • Marauder Bomber (DestroyerColossusVigilantPathfinder) • Thunderbolt (Fury) Valkyrie (VendettaSky TalonVulture)
Landing Craft Aquila LanderArvus LighterDevourer DropshipTetrarchAngantyr-Class Dropship