THE SONIC SPEAR
by Philip West
The early trials of the soon-to-be legendary English Electric Lightning sees aircraft P1B XA847, in company with its two sister prototypes, power through the skies over southern England, late 1958.
In the late 1950s the Royal Air Force encountered an ever-growing threat of Russian nuclear armed strategic bombers. Coupled with the need to defend the airfields housing the V-bomber force, the RAF needed a quick response to anyone infiltrating air space. The answer was the English Electric Lightning, one of the finest, fastest and most formidable interceptors ever built. Its distinctive swept wings made it instantly recognisable, and the twin vertically stacked Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines produced such thrust that the aircraft could stand on its tail in a sheer vertical climb and still break the sound barrier! It’s little surprise that the RAF’s nimble Lightnings would protect the skies over Britain for over a quarter of a century, a feat demonstrating the Electric Lightning’s unique position in British aviation design.
Fondly known as ‘The Sonic Spear’, it’s also the title given to Philip West’s latest painting which commemorates the early days of this magnificent single-seat interceptor. Using his talents as one of the leading aviation artists, Philip depicts Lightning P1B XA847in company with her two sister prototypes as they power through the skies. On 25 November 1957 English Electric’s Chief Test Pilot Roland Beamont, flying XA847, became the first British pilot to exceed Mach 2 – twice the speed of sound – and XA847 was the very aircraft used in the official ‘Lightning’ naming ceremony in 1958.
Today XA847 is under full restoration to embark on another journey helping to keep this amazing legacy alive. The project is being led by former RAF pilot, commercial airline pilot and author Captain Ian Black, the last Royal Air Force pilot to pass through the Lightning Training Course at RAF Binbrook. Adding significant historical importance, every Limited Edition print of ‘The Sonic Spear’ is issued hand-signed by Ian Black along with a fellow RAF Lightning pilot.
Limited Edition Prints & Artist Proofs
Philip's painting has been faithfully reproduced as a fine art print, with every copy personally signed by the artist and hand numbered. Joining him in signing every print are two highly-regarded RAF pilots who flew the iconic English Electric Lightning on operations with the RAF:
- Air Chief Marshal Sir JOHN ALLISON started his flying career with the RAF in July 1964 flying the F-4 Phantom and English Electric Lightning, before moving on to command No. 228 OCU. He later became Station Commander at RAF Wildenrath, followed by Secretary to the Chiefs of Staff Committee at the Ministry of Defence. Sir Allison was appointed Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group in 1991 and finally Air Officer Commanding RAF Strike Command from July 1997 to March 1999, when he retired from the RAF.
- Captain IAN BLACK is an ex-RAF fighter pilot whose career spanned the Phantom, Lightning, Tornado F3 and Mirage 2000, with operational service during the First Gulf War, the Falkland Islands, and combat missions over Bosnia and Iraq. After leaving the RAF in 1997, Ian joined Virgin Atlantic as a Boeing 787 Captain, and today leads the restoration of Lightning prototype XA847 to help preserve its remarkable legacy.
Remarques
Philip's unique pencil remarques are individually created in the lower margin of the print. The first edition, consisting of 25 single sized remarques, is a perfect way to collect original art. If you have a particular request, such as a specific aircraft, please ask when placing your order and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Prints in the Remarque and Double Remarque editions are also signed by the two members of aircrew mentioned above.
Double Remarques
Created specially for the serious collector, these dramatic Double Remarques are much bigger than a standard remarque and exclusively restricted to just 10 copies worldwide. The demand for these superb creations is such that we urge collectors to reserve their remarques early to avoid disappointment.
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 27.5 x 19.75 inches
- Release Date:
- 6/2026
Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
Framing Service available on this item
Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.
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