TSR-2: 1980s, 1990s and beyond

[overscan]

What updates and versions of the TSR-2 might have happened?

Possible developments:

* PGMs - Smart weaponry?
Either buy Pave Tack + Paveway, or an indigenous sensor system + develop own systems. Improved navigation + new radar fit.

* Avionics
The UK wanted a 3 tier sensor system for the MRCA, an X band radar for navigation and long range mapping, a Ku band radar for high resolution mapping, and a laser for final targeting.

By the late 1980s this would have become unnecessary, as a multimode X band radar like Blue Vixen could achieve high resolution mapping through synthetic aperture radar modes. A new digital RWR like the Tornado ADV's would be needed.

* More fuel efficient / modern engines?
Tough call, but maybe F101s might fit? With fixed inlets, as it became clear that Mach 2 capability was never used. Maybe some extra fuel in conformal tanks?

* Overwing Sidewinder pylons?

Anyone add anything else?

[Archibald]

maybe i's stupid, but what about
*fly-by-wire ? I remember a Jaguar T2 was modified that way so why not the TSR-2 ? It could have improved performances...

and I already say it, I dream of F-22 engines on the TSR-2

*GPS is obvious...
*ASRAAMS (overwing pylons sounds logical).
*conformal fuel tanks ala F-16E/F would be something!

*a radar similar to the Rafale / F-15E (mixed modes for A2A and A2Ground) would allow AMRAAMs for self defense

[overscan]

A radar based on the Blue Falcon (the demonstrator radar which became Blue Vixen) would be a good fit and would allow AMRAAM carriage.

[Archibald]

Well, it is also obvious... cruise missiles (Storm shadows... how many could fit in the bomb bay ?)
I agree for fixed air intakes, Beamont itself concluded that a mach 1.7 top speed would have been sufficient.
An unstable TSR-2 controlled by a FBW system could have had the following inprovements
- a shorter fin
- shorter take off / landing run
- maybe you can supress the canted wingtips (because stability now come from the computer, not aerodynamics astutes) and this would free two hardpoints for AAMs or ECMs.

an interesting engine variant could be something similar to the planned
Concorde B. (we had a discussions on secret projects some weeks ago).
Aparently this would have boosted range, allowed supercruise but still used the Olympus as basis (what a growth potential this engine had!!!).

We can also imagine a big fuel tank replacing the bomb bay, boosting range and allowing ventral hardpoint(s).

Concerning the CFTs, there's two options, on the belly and flanks below the wings (ala F-15 FAST) or on the back (F-16E/F), already mentionned)

[Hobbes]

Storm Shadows are fairly large, I'd be surprised if more than one would fit in the bomb bay.

I don't think FBW would lead to a shorter takeoff run. FBW doesn't create more lift than conventional controls.

[Geoff_B]

Upgrade wise i suupose an updated cockpit new avionics as the bay. A laser designator would probably have been fitted maybe semi-recessed under the fwd fusealge using the Avionics bay to hold its internal workings.

ECM & RWR would have been upgraded but i eexpect there would use the existing panel aerials built into the design rather than bolted on as was done with the 70's aircraft.

The wings might have been re-engineered possibly using newer materials to incease strength and reduce weight. Possibly strengthened to allow greater loads  for the existing pylons and possibly space for additional outer pylons. Not sure about them going with overwing launch rails as this makes loading them a logistical nightmare as the TSR2 is a pretty tall aircraft !!!.

G

[Geoff_B]

Well, it is also obvious... cruise missiles (Storm shadows... how many could fit in the bomb bay ?)

Yeap only one can fit in the bomb bay, but i think you would find that we would likely have developed the cruise missiles originally intended for TSR2 as a stand off alternative to WE177.

G

[Archibald]

there's also the SDB (smart diameter bomb). I think the TSR-2 could carry a big number of it...

[Hobbes]

Yep. I don't think a 1/72 SDB is available yet, though. (and it's "Small", not 'smart')

[Archibald]

Yep. I don't think a 1/72 SDB is available yet, though. (and it's "Small", not 'smart')

you're right, hobbes... smart diameter bomb  :dum:  :dum: n'importe quoi!!!  

[overscan]

Regarding the engine, the Olympus turbojet is optimised for supersonic speed. A turbofan would give better economy of course in Mach 0.9 cruise.

[Zen]

Which is why all the manufacturers had a preference for the RB142 Medway, lighter in weight, lower fuel consumption and thus easier to get the required range in a design.

Hmmm....

GPS
A set of RWR's
Skyshadow ECM perhaps made integratal leaving another pylon free.
Chin mounted laser designator and FLIR pods.

Chaff/flare dispensers in the fusilage.

SLAR replaced with a new lighter weight set more 'multirole'.
Yes forward radar perhaps a Blue Vixen variant.

Onepeice canopies for both pilot and navigator, perhaps even a onepeice wraparound windscreen for the pilot.

Body mounting points for lightweight weapons, like Sidewinder, ALARM or some low weight bomb.

Possible change ahead of the wing to the body of the machine, giving a 'arched back' like on the Vigilante to increase fuel.

Intakes changed to Tornado type design.

[Archibald]

That's amystery for me... how was the olympus imposed to the TSR-2 program ?    

[elmayerle]

That's amystery for me... how was the olympus imposed to the TSR-2 program ?  

British government policy dictated a merging of companies to win the competition.  Bristol and and Armstrong-Siddeley engines were willing to merge while RR was not willing to do so at the time.  *chuckle* It wasn't until 1969 that RR was willing to merge with Bristol-Siddeley and then only because  Bristol-Siddeley was going to team with P&W on the JT9D and RR wanted their RB.211 to be the only British high-bypass turbofan engine.  In the long run, this did prove useful because it brought needed talent back to RR when severe problems developed on the RB.211.

[Mossie]

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?