Between 1945 and 1960 English Electric had just two aircraft types on offer, which doesn't seem all that prolific. But sometimes it's not the number of types that is important; it's the potential and the quality. English Electric (EE) created two of the most successful military jet programmes the UK has ever embarked upon - the Canberra and the Lightning. Both were radical, high-risk designs, yet they had long-term, lucrative production runs - with upgrade and refurbishing contracts keeping the coffers topped up and a large workforce active. The Canberra achieved the 'Holy Grail', being adopted by the USAF and manufactured in America; Australia also built Canberras. Together with the Lightning, it laid the foundations for a dynasty that is still at the top of its game with the BAE Systems Typhoon.
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