This time, I worked from a single snap-shot photo I took back in 2001, but made it a bit clearer (the aircraft was viewed from a distance in hazy weather). Those photographers are not as close to the action as they seem, because of the fore-shortening effect of a long distance view. What looks like exhaust smoke, is at least partly spray from the damp runway. The presence of the people, gives a nice sense of context and scale, to help the drawing create a story.
The aircraft is an English Electric Lightning, a remarkably powerful jet (1950s) that could climb vertically. It could still out-accelerate its rivals when pensioned off over 30 years later.
