English Electric Lightning: Genesis and Projects

Progress on the English Electric Canberra was the main topic of a report written by W E W 'Teddy' Petter on June 17, 1948, but a final paragraph headed 'High Speed Fighter' said, 'Requirements for a high speed fighter are being sent to us … There would probably be two or three prototypes attached to a successful design and a reasonable chance of production orders. Supersonic speeds would be required for short periods. 'This marked the beginning of the effort leading to production of the leg...