There was a Bristol Siddeley Engines Family Day years ago. It featured a Bristol Boxkite that was actually flying before the blokes steadying the wingtips had accelerated past a trot.
Later, a Lightning flew down the runway at nought feet, stood on its tail & lit the reheats about a hundred yards away from where we were standing. I clearly remember seeing the diamond shock pattern in the flame & the deep vibration in my chest as it reverberated with the noise. The aircraft was still moving away from us towards the road as it commenced its climb. Nothing aerodynamic to be seen, all ballistic at that point.
I suspect they wouldn't let anyone do that anymore ;o)) .........
One night, we came out of the pub down the road from Mildenhall. As we stood between the cars in the pitchy dark, feeling for our keys, this enormous noise flew overhead, obviously an SR71 taking off. As if to prove the point, the air became heavy with the smell of old tractors - kerosene.
As it became possible to hear again, my mate shouted "Stealth Bomber!" .
"How do you know?"
"Can't see the f****r can you?"
Regards,
Kim Siddorn.