QRA

It was still dark when this Lightning F-6 was scrambled from its base at RAF Binbrook, but now a cold dawn has broken and has illuminated a Soviet Union TU-95 "Bear" which has ventured into the U.K. Air Defence Region. The 11 Squadron Lightning was one of two which were on Q.R.A., or quick reaction alert, their job being to intercept, identify, and then escort the unknown intruder out of the U.K. airspace. Interventions like this happened as many as six times a week during the Cold War, and are still happening today.

Composition: acrylic on canvas

Image Size: 30" x 20"

Type & Availability: private collection