Changes

Lightning squadrons are not fixed in size, but most feature more than two dozen aircrafts at the start of hostilities. They will inevitably suffer heavy attrition, only to be reinforced by fresh pilots.{{Fn|10}}

[[Image:LightningMiniFW.jpg|thumb|right|Lighting miniature{{Fn|7}}]]

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}}