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{{ImperialNavyPortal}}
 
{{ImperialNavyPortal}}
[[Image:LightningArt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A squadron of Lightnings{{Fn|1}}]]
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[[Image:LightningArt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A squadron of Lightnings{{Fn|1a}}]]
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.
+
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.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
==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 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}}
+
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|1a}}
  
 
==Tactical Role==
 
==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 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}}
+
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. 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.{{Fn|1a}} 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|1c}}
  
 
==Technical Specifications==
 
==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]].{{Fn|1}}
+
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|1a}}
  
 
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}}
 
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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{{Imperial Aircraft
 
{{Imperial Aircraft
|Type=Air Superiority Fighter
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|Type=Air Superiority Fighter{{Fn|1b}}
 
|Vehicle Name=Lightning
 
|Vehicle Name=Lightning
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Cypra-Mundi]]
 
|Forge World of Origin=[[Cypra-Mundi]]
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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}}
 
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}}
  
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}}
+
At the time of its introduction, the aircraft represented a new paradigm in aerial warfare for the Imperium of Man, 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}}
  
 
===Lightning Strike===
 
===Lightning Strike===
 
*{{Main|Lightning Strike}}
 
*{{Main|Lightning Strike}}
The '''Lightning Strike''' is a dedicated close air support variant of the standard Lightning air superiority fighter.
+
The '''Lightning Strike''' is a dedicated close air support variant of the standard Lightning air superiority fighter.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
==Navy wings known to contain Lightnings==
 
==Navy wings known to contain Lightnings==
 +
*[[717th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Warhawk squadron
 
*[[2774th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Wyrm squadron
 
*[[2774th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Wyrm squadron
 
*[[3035th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Firedrake squadron
 
*[[3035th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Firedrake squadron
*[[717th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing]] - Warhawk squadron
 
  
 
==Canon Conflict==
 
==Canon Conflict==
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==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]], pgs. 216, 223
+
*1: [[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]]
 +
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 216
 +
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 217
 +
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 219
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II]], pg. 25
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II]], pg. 25
*{{Endn|3}}: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Imperial_Navy/VOSS_PATTERN_LIGHTNING_STRIKE_FIGHTER.html ''(last accessed 21 May 2015)''
+
*{{Endn|3}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-GB/Imperial-Navy-Voss-Pattern-Lightning-Strike-Fighter Forge World Voss Pattern Lightning Strike Fighter] ''(last accessed 7 September 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre]] pg.199
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Two - Massacre]] pg.199
  
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[[Category:Imperial Aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Imperial Aircraft]]
 
[[de:Lightning]]
 
[[de:Lightning]]
 +
[[fr:Lightning]]

Revision as of 15:52, 21 August 2017

A squadron of Lightnings[1a]

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.[1a]

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.[1a]

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. 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.[1a] 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.[1c]

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.[1a]

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]

Images

Technical Specifications
Type Air Superiority Fighter[1b] 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 Imperium of Man, 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.[1a]

Navy wings known to contain Lightnings

Canon Conflict

Though it is stated in Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy that it took over five hundred years of research and trials to approve the Lighting Pattern, in Imperial Armour Volume One - Second Edition: Imperial Guard (pg. 12) states that this period took nearly half a century (so 50 years).

Related Articles

Sources



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Grand Cruisers AvengerExorcistVengeanceFurious
Battlecruisers ArmageddonMarsOverlordChaliceDominionMercuryLong Serpent
Cruisers DictatorDominatorGothicLunarTyrantCardinalAggressorAmbition
Light Cruisers DauntlessDefiantEndeavourEnduranceEnforcerDefenderSiluriaStyges
Heavy Frigates TurbulentInvictorInexorable
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Destroyers CobraViperStalwartConstrictor
Corvettes Claymore
Support Armed FreighterCarrackCastellanCetaceusCetaceaConstellationDefense MonitorEscort CarriersFast ClipperFuel TransportOrionQ-ShipTaraskTroop TransportHeavy TransportUniverseGolgothaViper
Attack Craft Faustus InterceptorFury InterceptorStarhawkShark Assault Boat
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Landing Craft Aquila LanderArvus LighterDevourer DropshipTetrarchAngantyr-Class Dropship