Possible heresy, but replacing TSR2..

[P1127]

OK, asumming TSR overcame the Tech matters etc and entered service late 60s/early 70s, it would be due for replacement right about now.

So what would be the TSR2 replacement? UK design? FA-22?  

[Hobbes]

Maybe a BAe/Dornier/MBB (or Panavia/Eurofighter) project for a stealthy attack aircraft. Something like the Dornier LA-2000?

[Mairfrog]

I reckon that in a world where the TSR 2 didn't get axed Britain would still be the world leader in aviation. Therefore the TSR 2 would be replaced by the TSR 3 which would be designed at BAC Warton. I've no idea what it would look like but in about thrity years time there'll be a Tony Butler book with a picture of it.  

[TsrJoe]

chuckle...yeah somat like Warton's 'Replica' a stealthy strike aircraft would make a fine addition to the legacy!

happy whatiffing, cheers, joe  

[Ollie]

I agree with Joe, the BAe Replica would fit the spot!

 

[elmayerle]

chuckle...yeah somat like Warton's 'Replica' a stealthy strike aircraft would make a fine addition to the legacy!

happy whatiffing, cheers, joe

More likely a somewhat larger version, but no doubt similar, IMHO.

[uk 75]

According to Project Cancelled and Tony Buttler's books there were already plans in the 50s 60s to replace TSR2 with a swing wing derivative, much like aircraft already modelled.

The future of the RAF strike requirement in the UK 75 world mights have gone something like this.

1968            With TSR2s entering service, the RAF returns to the charge on an eventual replacement for its Vulcans.  The MOD planners are torn between an FB111A like TSR2 development which emphasises deep strike into Russia and NATO roles and a longer ranged slower derivative losing much of the short field capacity, but with increased weapons loadings.

1972           After prolongued wrangling a shorter range TSR2 derivative, looking much like the OR 346 designs/Tornado is ordered for the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy.  The RAF long range requirement is put under Review (one of the options for this, is a purchase of US types (B1 or B70, depending on the timeline).

1975         The US begins work on the programme leading to the B1/B59/B75 flying wing. The RAF takes part in this work as its requirements are similar to those of the USAF, but obviously for only a limited number of platforms.

1979        TSR2 squadrons in Europe begin to receive the TSR3 Tornado swing wing aircraft.  TSR2 squadrons in Cyprus and the Far East will retain their aircraft.

1982        TSR2s from Cyprus are deployed to Wideawake field for operations in support of the RN task force of 2 CVA 01 ships.  The number of strikes possible is limited.  

1983       Post Falklands Defence Review.  Although the 2 Royal Navy carriers performed well and provided significant air defence for the fleet, their limited number of strike aircraft is criticised by MOD planners.  The RAF proposes purchase of US aircraft rather than additional carriers.

1989       The failure of the US A12 programme for a Carrier strike aircraft impacts badly on the Royal Navy which had hoped to use the plane to replace either Buccaneer S3/swing-wing TSR2 style fighter attackers.  The RAF lobbies hard and receives a first batch of US flying wings.

and so on

[P1127]

The A-12 has more than a grain of truth, it was considered as a Buccaneer replacement (as apparently were the F117 and F-15E - ?!) before the end of the Cold War left lots of Tornados for the (now) defunct maritime strike role