Saro Sr.177 Gun Pack

[GTX]

I guess Blue Dolphin would have been similar in appearance to Red Top then, but with a radar cone instead?

I'd guess so - I don't know if there are any pics available.

maybe make a few mods to the missiles to suggest updated versions, slightly different fins etc.

Maybe - but I wouldn't make too many mods to the missiles - most upgrades would probably be internal - e.g. seeker mods, maybe improved fusing or warhead.

A updated SR.177 (F. Mk. 2  or 3 - what would be a suitable name???) with gun and say 2 Red Top and 2 Blue Dolphin should be cool.  Looking forward to the final result.

Regards,

Greg

[Mossie]

Yeah, I'll only make minor mods to the fins, like the Sparrow/Skyflash/AMRAAM family, maybe a stretch to the Blue Dolphin to suggest increased range or warhead.  The main thing with Red Top would be full all-aspect ratio, but of course all the gubbins for that would be internal.

I've heard Rapier banded around & it seems to sit well with it.  Thunderbolt has done the rounds too & would go well with the Lightning, but I've been trying to avoid to many similarities & I don't Saro would have wanted something sounded too like it's rival.  I'm not sure about the manufacturer for later variants (don't want to go BAe route).  Westland took over the helicopter side, but IIRC the aircraft division just petered out, not being merged into HSA or BAC.

My feeling is to go with F.4.  F.1 inital production variant, T.2 Trainer (designated T.2A early on as it was updated to F.3 standard), F.3 early upgrade to iron out bugs/catch up with competition, F.4 mid-life upgrade, FG.5 or GR.5 Strike version???

Hawker Siddley Rapier F.4, armed with single 30mm Aden cannon & Skystreak SARH & Skyfire IR missiles.  How does that sound?

[GTX]

Sounds good to me - looking forward to the pics.

Regards,

Greg

[Zen]

How about 'Pirate' it fits with Saro's naming conventions, and was a RN designated name for first its fighter (became Sea Vixen) and then its strike aircraft (became Buccaneer instead). Third time lucky?

[Mossie]

Not sure about Pirate I'm afraid Zen, it has too much of a naval feel to it.  With Saro building it for both the RAF & RN I'm not sure they would have plumped for a name that so favoured one role.  Giving each type different names is a possibility, although they were so similiar I think the same name would be used.

Saying that I do like the name, hmmm, Pirate F.4 or Rapier F.4.... anymore suggestions are welcome though!