TSR-2
The first flight of the TSR2 supersonic strike/reconnaissance aircraft, designed as a replacement for the Canberra, took place on 27 September 1964. Based originally on Operational Requirement 339 for a Canberra replacement, the TSR-2 was expected to enter service with RAF Bomber Command by 1967. Designed primarily for the low-level reconnaissance and strike role, the TSR-2 carried nuclear or conventional weapons may be carried in an internal bay and on underwing pylons. Orders were placed for eighteen development and pre-production machines prior to the project's cancellation. This highly advanced project was cancelled by the Labour government in Apr 1965 as part of a massive defence cuts programme citing rising costs as the main reason for termination.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function: | reconnaissance and strike |
| Contractor: | |
| Power Plant: | Two Bristol Siddeley Olympus B.06.22-R turbojets |
| Thrust: | approx. 30,000 lbst each with afterburners |
| Length: | 90 ft. |
| Height: | 23 ft. |
| Wingspan: | 35 ft. |
| Speed: |
845 m.p.h. at sea level (Mach 1.12) 1,190 m.p.h. at 40,000 ft. (Mach 1.8) |
| Ceiling: | |
| Weight: | 100,000 lbs |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight: | |
| Range: |
3,500-4,000 miles 1,200 miles normal mission radius |
| Armament: | |
| Crew: | |
| Unit Cost: | |
| Date Deployed: | |
| Inventory: | |
