A rare bird : The BAC TSR-2

[uy707]

The BAC TSR-2 was to be the RAF's foremost combat aircraft for the 1960's onwards, replacing the Canberra in the Tactical Strike/Reconnaissance role. The aircraft was to have supersonic capability at tree-top height and was the first aircraft in the World to be equipped with a Head-Up-Display (HUD). The TSR project was subsequently murdered in 1964 by a short-sighted Labour government, and all project material and prototypes ordered destroyed. A decision motivated mostly by pressure from the US to not compete with their F-111 Aardvark in the global market.

there's so much to cry about the squadrons of interesting developments downed by the period UK government !!! .
On the other hand, by just looking to the F-111 and figuring it parked alongside the TSR-2, one can easely understands how concerned the Americans could have been
As far the TSR2 is concerned, the MoD reportedly ordered everything to be destroyed, no tracks were to be left ... Lets' be grateful to the ones who not only did not abide to orders according to the very letter but eventually let this vid on show somewhere today whereas TSR2 # 2 is now safely preserved at RAF Cosford Museum. Probably the best way to pay a tribute to late test pilot Roland Beaumont. Enjoy the show

[brianw999]

Alain....

A pure tragedy that she never went into production...and all because it would never do for our British politicians to upset the American politicians, now would it ?

Those closing frames brought a lump to my throat.

Politicians ?

I wouldn't cross the road to piss on one if they were on fire !!

[HalcyonDays]

There are surely two TSR-2s, one at Cosford (the only one that flew) and one at Duxford.

The irony is that the UK Government subsequently canceled UK puchase of the F-111. That decision ultimately resulted in the development of the Tornado, which is with us today. The TSR-2 represented the high water of UK aerospace ingenuity and innovation.

The decision to cancel the TSR-2, however, was a much more complex one than is often realized. The program was hugely over budget and very poorly managed. It was also more than a political decision to cancel. The civilian defense establishment was strongly opposed to the aircraft, and even the RAF were lukewarm towards it. As for the aircraft itself, there are conflicting views. Some say that, even if it were flying today, it would still be a highly potent platform. Others, however, say the TSR-2 was too much aircraft, too complex, with too many roles and missions built into it, and too wide a flight envelope (eg. slow and fast, all-weather, grass strips, full weapons loads etc.....), all of which would have meant it would have done nothing especially well or effectively.

[brianw999]

....all of which would have meant it would have done nothing especially well or effectively.

Would have been nice to see it given a chance to try though.

[cja]

The decision to cancel the TSR-2, however, was a much more complex one than is often realized. The program was hugely over budget and very poorly managed.

Nimrod MR4A ??? Some things don't change.

[uy707]

There are surely two TSR-2s, one at Cosford (the only one that flew) and one at Duxford.
The irony is that the UK Government subsequently canceled UK puchase of the F-111.
TSR-2 was too much aircraft, too complex, with too many roles and missions built into it, and too wide a flight envelope (eg. slow and fast, all-weather, grass strips, full weapons loads etc.....), all of which would have meant it would have done nothing especially well or effectively.

I remmeber the F.111 order, part of an impressive shopping spree which included among others the Herks, together with Fleet Air Arms' Phantoms and initial Sea Kings.
It would also have meant the TSR2 was able to perform any kind of mission too well. Previous experiences as a key player in both the Camberra and Lightning developments lead me to think late Roland Beaumont acted his best to make sure of that.

[HalcyonDays]

I remmeber the F.111 order, part of an impressive shopping spree which included among others the Herks, together with Fleet Air Arms' Phantoms and initial Sea Kings.
It would also have meant the TSR2 was able to perform any kind of mission too well. Previous experiences as a key player in both the Camberra and Lightning developments lead me to think late Roland Beaumont acted his best to make sure of that.

The C-130 order resulted from another cancellation at the same time as that of the TSR-2. This was the HS681 transport aircraft, which would have been similar to the C-141.

As impressive as the Lightning undoubtedly was, I am not sure it was able to perform its mission as effectively as some its peers.