TSR-2: 1980s, 1990s and beyond

[elmayerle]

RR didn't merge with BSEL, they bought them outright.  This cost RR so much that they had to be nationalised by Ted "the Traitor" Heath's government in 1971 when they were in serious financial difficulties.

Correction accepted.  I believe, though, that the reason I stated for their acquiring BSEL still holds valid.

[DamienB]

Given British defence procurement policy, the only realistic upgrades the TSR2 could have expected would have been similar to those carried out on the Jaguar and Tornado - a few new toys in the cockpit, the odd aerial change here and there and perhaps a laser designator along with upgrades to carry new weapons.

New engines, FBW, changes to the airframe itself - no chance. Personally I don't believe it would ever have carried Sidewinders or other AAMs, the Tornado may be a bit of a truck but it's a lot more likely to be able to get into a position where it could actually use such a thing. Just extra drag and weight and entirely unlikely to be used on the TSR2.

Of course it your what-if scenario includes the assassination of everybody in the Treasury, then fire away    

[B777LR]

Retirement B)  

[lenny100]

I remember asking about thrust reversal before, IIRC it was planned to fit this at some stage early in TSR2's life.

Improved cockpit, MFD's, maybe a full glass cockpit at some stage.  Zen mentioned better visibility canopy for the back seater, but a much improved version may even have had a raised cockpit like Harrier II?

As for roles, SEAD with ALARM & beefy ECM?  Possibly a dedicated Maritime Strike version such as Tornado GR.1B with Sea Eagle or Harpoon?

my upcomeing GR-10 ecm has them all in place
here is a preview

[Hobbes]

Good grief! Is that a Tornado nose?

 

[BillSlim]

Good Lord, tis a Lovechild 'tween TSR.2 and Tornado!

Nice model though    

[lenny100]

more avalable in the tsr2 group build

[deathjester]

i think a better idea would have been to wring more power out of the olympus 22r, to make the tsr2 into probably the best interceptor in the world.
 and on the subject of reducing engine thrust / changing engines, remember that the tsr2 had 'supercruise' capability about forty years before the americans even dreamt of such a thing...

and could do mach 1.3 at 90m agl...

at night, in foul weather...