TSR.2 Interceptor

[MartG]

During the development of the Lightning it became apparent that it would lack the range to intercept Soviet bombers armed with long range missiles before they could launch an attack on the UK. It was therefore decided to look for a long range interceptor to fill this gap. The favoured solution was the CF-105 Arrow, but Avro's existing production commitments meant none could be delivered to the RAF until 1969 at the earliest. Thoughts then turned to a variant of the TSR.2 Eagle as an interim solution, which had initially been discounted due to the limitations posed by its wing – optimised for the low level strike mission the Eagle lacked the high altitude manoeuvrability required for the interceptor mission. However it was pointed out that the essentially modular construction of the aircraft would make it simple to substitute an alternative wing design – and the Eagle F.1 was born. Fitted with the AI.23 system also installed in the Lightning, and armed with four Red Top heat seeking missiles ( the internal weapons bay being used for fuel ), the Eagle F.1 served until replaced by the Arrow in the early 1970s











Airfix TSR.2 kit, with wings from a Vigilante attached to the stubs of the original wing. Fin and tail surfaces are also from the Vigilante.

[Hobbes]

Wow, that wing fits like it belongs there!

[Shasper]

That gives me an idea!

Shas b)

[Weaver]

That's a sweeeeet model - well done! 

Reminds me of various Viggie/Tizzie-style interceptors I've come up with over the years... hmmmmmm

[MartG]

Reminds me of various Viggie/Tizzie-style interceptors I've come up with over the years... hmmmmmm

The original wings from the TSR.2 kit are actually on a Vigi fuselage 

[kitnut617]

That certainly does the trick for me !!      brilliant stuff   

[Weaver]

Reminds me of various Viggie/Tizzie-style interceptors I've come up with over the years... hmmmmmm

The original wings from the TSR.2 kit are actually on a Vigi fuselage 

Pictures! We need pictures!  

Thinking about the TSR.2 fighter some more: since the fighter version wouldn't need all the SLAR/Nav/attack gubbins in the forward fuselage, the cockpit, with it's fuselage step, could be moved further back, thus leaving more room for a big radar. The result wouldn't be unlike some of the AST.406 designs.

Bit like this (very rough):

[MartG]

Reminds me of various Viggie/Tizzie-style interceptors I've come up with over the years... hmmmmmm

The original wings from the TSR.2 kit are actually on a Vigi fuselage 

Pictures! We need pictures!  

Here you go 

[sotoolslinger]

Beauty 

[pyro-manic]

Wow. They both look "right". Great stuff!

[SPINNERS]

Love it!

[Sisko]

Sweet build! I like the idea of the big wing TSR.

[noxioux]

Sweet .  The squared intake version almost looks like a Vigilante tucking it's elbows in.

[Taiidantomcat]

Nice Job MartG, Two aircraft you wouldn't think could look any better...and you pulled it off magnificently. 

[bexwh773]

Both of those look very smart and look like they belong in those markings 
Thanks for sharing
Bex