Changes

==History==

The [[STC]] data for the Lightning was discovered during the [[Saint-Saen Crusade]], which liberated twelve worlds in [[Segmentum Obscurus]]. They were found on [[Karnak II]] by an [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] [[Explorator]] team and the designs immediately given to the Mechanicus Lords of [[Cypra Mundi]]. It would take over five hundred years of research and trials, including readings of the [[Emperor's Tarot]] and cross-referencing with the archives of [[Mars]], before the designs were finally approved for production in supplying fleet carriers and cruisers of [[Battlefleet|Battlefleet Obscurus]]. Since then the designs have slowly been disseminated to the Navy worlds of [[Bakka]] and [[Hydraphur]] and Lightnings are now commonly seen alongside the Thunderbolt in both [[Segmentum Tempestus]] and [[Segmentum Pacificus]].{{Fn|1a}}

==Tactical Role==

The main role of the aircraft is to engage enemy craft and establish air-superiority over a battlefield, with a secondary mission of providing air escort for [[Marauder Bomber]]s. For this reason they are often based on orbiting ships or forward air bases, where their rocket booster allows them to quickly take off and engage enemy air forces.{{Fn|1a}} Ground-based Lightnings can also benefit from hydraulic "fast-launch" ramps which, in combination with their rocket booster engine, provides better acceleration and faster take-off time than conventional VTOL craft. Standard practice has three to four Lightnings so poised in a constant state of readiness. Although not their primary function, Lightnings may also act as a ground attack aircraft, with free license to attack targets of opportunity. This role however is better suited to the [[Lightning Strike]].{{Fn|1c}}

*{{Endn|5}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/01/29/new-reveals-from-nuremberggw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: New Reveals from Nuremberg (Posted January 29 2020)] (last accessed 1/29/2020)

*{{Endn|6}}: [[Helsreach (Novel)]] - [[Armageddon (Anthology)]], Chapter III