Led by former Lightning pilot Ian Black, Callsign Collective are restoring XA847 – the very first aircraft used in the official “Lightning” naming ceremony back in 1958. It was the prototype that proved Britain could build a world-class supersonic fighter, and now, decades later, they’re bringing it back to life.
In 1954, the distinctive shape of the English Electric Lightning first took to the skies. XA847, the P1B prototype, was at the heart of that story, laying the foundations for an aircraft that would define Cold War aviation. Hidden away for decades, XA847 is now being painstakingly restored to honour its legacy and share it with a new generation.
The Vision: To bring P1B XA847 back into the public eye, not as a forgotten relic, but as a celebrated icon of British aviation.
When XA847’s restoration is complete, the mission won’t end. It’ll take flight again in a new way with the aircraft safely displayed in a new home worthy of its history, where future generations can stand beneath it and feel that same awe.
Runway25 are delighted to partner with Lightning P1B.
To find out more about the Lightning P1B, please visit
