Alternative RAF 92 Squadron 'Blue Diamonds' aircraft

[The Rat]

I put a vote in for the Swift.

After reading Nigel Walpole's "Swift Justice" book, I have to say the Swift sounds like a real hot rod down low and could probably put on awesome low altitude displays.

Excellent book! I've been ranting about this for years; the RAF should have given up on the high-altitude interceptor role much earlier. It was quickly apparent that the Swift was a superb low-level platform, far better than the Hunter, and should have been given roles that exploited that quality.

[PR19_Kit]

I watched a Swift give a solo display at Benson in 1955, I think.

It was AWESOME as the pilot used reheat for much of the time, and nothing else had it at that time. LOUD it certainly was! 

[Scotaidh]

I voted for the Swift for a couple of  reasons. 

1.  Small, light aircraft are the best for aerial displays
2.  The Gnat has had it's day with the Red Arrows.
3.  I've always liked the Swift and reckoned it got unfairly dumped on.

[PR19_Kit]

I'm not sure that the Swift qualifies as being small or light actually, but it's certainly impressive.

It's a big bruiser of an aircraft, so long as you're not comparing it with a Javelin or a Buccaneer anyway.

[Scotaidh]

I always thought it was about the same size as a Hunter ... not small, I guess, but not huge.  I'll do some comparative research.    I have a Swift in my SSR (Strategic Styrene Reserve), and some thoughts on a (whif) variant ... 

One possibility = Radar nose, full missile suite
Other possible configuration, since the cannon are in the wings = turboprop, ala Thunderscreech.   

[andrewj]

One possibility = Radar nose, full missile suite

That'll be a F7 then.

[PR19_Kit]

Other possible configuration, since the cannon are in the wings = turboprop, ala Thunderscreech. 

It'd need a much taller nosewheel, or a 12 bladed contra-prop. 

[zenrat]

Other possible configuration, since the cannon are in the wings = turboprop, ala Thunderscreech. 

It'd need a much taller nosewheel, or a 12 bladed contra-prop. 

And a more "British" name.  Like "Rather Jolly Loud, What!".

[Scotaidh]

Other possible configuration, since the cannon are in the wings = turboprop, ala Thunderscreech. 

It'd need a much taller nosewheel, or a 12 bladed contra-prop. 

And a more "British" name.  Like "Rather Jolly Loud, What!".

You mean, like "Bittern"?  I'd probably opt to shorten the main undercarriage legs rather than make the nose gear more delicate - or just revert to a tail wheel.  I wonder if I could use the props off a Lockheed XFV "Pogo"?

[PR19_Kit]

Other possible configuration, since the cannon are in the wings = turboprop, ala Thunderscreech. 

It'd need a much taller nosewheel, or a 12 bladed contra-prop. 

And a more "British" name.  Like "Rather Jolly Loud, What!".

You mean, like "Bittern"?  I'd probably opt to shorten the main undercarriage legs rather than make the nose gear more delicate - or just revert to a tail wheel.  I wonder if I could use the props off a Lockheed XFV "Pogo"?

Reverting to the tailwheel may cause a problem on take-off when the aircraft's tail comes up if the props are too large....