What if the TSR.2 had not been cancelled?

[SimonR]

Then the RAF would have shortly discovered that the engines exploded, the landing gear didn't work and when it came to the electrical system physics tragically overcame optimism. So the RAF would have had to quickly find something that actually worked. Enter the Vigilante GR.1. Here's a 13 Squadron example, RAF Wyton, 1978. This is the 1/48 Trumpeter kit which needs much putty and internal bracing. Nice surface detail though, a pity so much of it got obliterated by endless sanding. Problems notwithstanding, I will build another one of these as it absolutely cries out to modified into a 3 engine interceptor twin tail variant.

[Brian da Basher]

Niiiiicee Simon! That's once gorgeous Vigilante! I can't wait to see your three-engined, twin tailed version!

Brian da Basher

[K5054NZ]

Very nice work Mr Rutter! Fantastic paintjob! Forget the sanding, she looks very convincing - I especially like the sharkmouth around the intake. Fantastic!

[AeroplaneDriver]

Beautiful Vigilante Simon!!

[gooberliberation]

When I first clicked on the topic, I didn't bother reading the text. So I was wondering "Hm, TSR with new intakes? ...Wait.... new wings too?"

Awesome bird ya have there, especially in that sharp paint job!  

[John Howling Mouse]

Sharp-looking bird ya got there: love the paint scheme!

 

[F-32]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! ^_^  

[NARSES2]

Nice Vigi' Simon - I to have plans for a twin tailed three engined job, but in 1/72

[Jack Bobson]

TSR.2 cancelled? When did that happen?!!

Nice Vigilante mate. This aircraft is a real favourite of mine and you've done a bang-up job with this one.

I've built my TSR.2 and it just cries out for a Vigilante wing!

And possibly a Tornado F3 front fuselage...

[datguy]

Dang! Dang, Dang, Dang, Dang!    

My 431 Flt.  Sand and Stone Vigilante SR.1 based at Hal Far (and then Akrotiri) is gonna seem a lot less original now.

The kit is selected (1/72) and the back story under construction, diverging from yours later in the life cycle - AFTER the F-111K follows the TSR.2 into the abyss.  

Next, I'll be looking for appropriate decals.

DG  

[MartG]

Dang! Dang, Dang, Dang, Dang!    

My 431 Flt.  Sand and Stone Vigilante SR.1 based at Hal Far (and then Akrotiri) is gonna seem a lot less original now.

As is my white anti-flash RAF A-5B.  

Back story for mine is that after the USN canned the A-5B programme in 1962 there was a delay in funding the RA-5C, leaving NA with 18 partially completed airframes clogging up their production line. In steps the RAF, with a need for a supersonic nuclear strike aircraft to fill the gap until the TSR.2 enters service in '68. Only change RAF makes to the airframe is to ditch the linear bomb bay due to the weapons delivery accuracy problems seen on the A-5A, and fit conventional doors to the front 2/3rds of the bay ( rear 3rd can't do this due to the tailhook, so just gets a permanent fuel cell ). Withdrawn from RAF service in 1970, airframes sold back to NA, and end up converted to RA-5C in USN service.

[Shasper]

I've built my TSR.2 and it just cries out for a Vigilante wing!
And possibly a Tornado F3 front fuselage...

Thinking the same, except use the Vigi front end and maybe the intakes too!  

Shas B)

[Nick]

What about the plans for the 1981 resurrection by the new government instead of Tornado?
IIRC those included different intakes.

Nick B)  

[K5054NZ]

I was originally going to model that concept with my Frog kit, but I may end up trying that with one of my resin dealies.


Anyone got pics of the 1981 concept? Falklands, anyone? ^_^  

[datguy]

Falklands, anyone? ^_^

Dang Dang Dang Dang Dang

That's in my backstory too!  But, in a (hopefully) unexpected way....

DG