British aerospace/Grumman (BaG) Tomcat F.1

[TallEng]

I Liked Scooters idea about the RAF operating Tomcats instead of Tornado F.3's
So hoping that Scooter doesn't mind too much? I've written myself a backistory;

BaG Tomcat F.1
The Tomcat F.1 had its origins in an RAF requirement (Air Staff Requirement 395 or ASR.395), which called for a long-range interceptor to replace the Lightning F.6 and Phantom FGR.2. The requirement for a modern interceptor was driven by the threat posed by the large Soviet long-range bomber fleet, in particular the supersonic  Tupolev Tu22M. Originally it was thought there might be the possibility of a variant of the Tornado IDS dedicated to air defence. However  the concept was not attractive to other European partners, and the UK Government fearing  that going ahead with the project would be too costly, allowed the Air Staff to evaluate Aircraft from foreign manufacturers, providing  as much British equipment as possible was included. The Air Staff's choice of the Grumman Tomcat was to be built by a joint venture between British Aerospace and Grumman to provide the Airframe and Allison/Rolls-Royce providing the Allison TF41/RB.168-TR Spey Engine. The development of the Tomcat F.1 was approved on 4 March 1976. The first prototype was rolled out at Grumman's Bethpage plant on 9 August 1979, before making its maiden flight on 27 October 1979. The second and third development aircraft made their first flights on 18 July and 18 November 1980, respectively. Entering service in July 1983, 152 Tomcat F.1s were ordered.

General characteristics:
Crew: 2
Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.1 m)
Wingspan:
Spread: 64 ft (19.55 m)
Swept: 38 ft (11.58 m)
Powerplant: 2 Allison Engine Company TF41/Spey afterburning turbofans
Dry thrust:  14,250 lb each
Thrust with afterburner: 23,080 lb each.

and I've got a kit:

which I see costed me £12:99 from Beatties
progress pictures to follow....

Regards
Keith

[scooter]

I Liked Scooters idea about the RAF operating Tomcats instead of Tornado F.3's
So hoping that Scooter doesn't mind too much? I've written myself a backistory;

Plenty of space for multiple Tomcat F/FR's in the build 

[Librarian]

....and I still like the idea of British turbofans and a super-extended nose-wheel leg (FAA version)

[Captain Canada]

Excellent idea. Love the Tomcat

[TallEng]

Well after getting over the slight panic attack brought on by the parts count,
I've cracked the lid of the box and made a start
Spent some of this afternoon glueing bits of P.E. In the Cockpit,
Which nobody will see



It's all buttoned up now, while the glue dries. Just remembered when I built one before, I ended
Up with a step where the cockpit section joins the fuselage, will try a different way of assembling
It this time, so I don't get the step.

Regards
Keith

[Captain Canada]

Looking good so far Keith ! Good luck with the step