The BAC TSR-2: A British Aircraft That Never Flew

The BAC TSR-2 was a supersonic strike aircraft designed and built in the United Kingdom. It was cancelled in 1965 due to political and economic reasons, despite being a technologically advanced aircraft. The TSR-2 remains a controversial topic in British aviation history, with many arguing that its cancellation was a major mistake.

Design and Development

The TSR-2 was designed by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) to meet a requirement for a low-level strike aircraft capable of penetrating Soviet air defenses. It was a highly innovative aircraft, featuring a delta wing design, a variable-sweep wing, and a powerful Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engine. The TSR-2 was also equipped with a sophisticated navigation and attack system, and it was capable of carrying a wide range of weapons.

Development of the TSR-2 began in 1957, and the first prototype flew in 1960. The aircraft was initially intended to be a replacement for the Canberra bomber, but its development was plagued by delays and cost overruns. By the early 1960s, the TSR-2 had become increasingly expensive, and its role was being challenged by the development of new nuclear weapons.

Cancellation

In 1965, the British government cancelled the TSR-2 program. The cancellation was highly controversial, and it has been attributed to a number of factors, including:

• The high cost of the project.
• The increasing availability of nuclear weapons.
• The political climate, which was becoming increasingly hostile to large-scale defense projects.

The cancellation of the TSR-2 was a major blow to the British aerospace industry. The project had employed thousands of people, and its cancellation resulted in the loss of a significant amount of technical expertise. The TSR-2 also represented a major technological achievement for the United Kingdom, and its cancellation was seen by many as a missed opportunity.

Legacy

The BAC TSR-2 remains a controversial topic in British aviation history. Some argue that its cancellation was a major mistake, and that the aircraft could have been a valuable asset to the Royal Air Force. Others argue that the cancellation was justified, given the high cost of the project and the changing strategic environment.

The TSR-2 is a reminder of the complex political and economic factors that can influence the development of military aircraft. It is also a testament to the ingenuity of British engineers and designers. Despite its early demise, the TSR-2 remains a fascinating and significant aircraft.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Length	63 ft 1 in (19.23 m)
Wingspan	34 ft 8 in (10.57 m)
Height	16 ft 6 in (5.03 m)
Empty weight	26,000 lb (11,793 kg)
Max takeoff weight	53,000 lb (24,041 kg)
Engine	1 × Rolls-Royce Spey 25
Power output	11,500 lbf (51 kN)
Maximum speed	Mach 2.0 (1,400 mph or 2,250 km/h)
Range	2,000 mi (3,200 km)
Service ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Conclusion

The BAC TSR-2 was a truly remarkable aircraft that was tragically cancelled before it could reach its full potential. It remains a symbol of British technological prowess and a reminder of the complex interplay of political, economic, and technological forces in the development of military aircraft. Despite its short lifespan, the TSR-2 continues to fascinate aviation enthusiasts and historians, and its legacy continues to be debated to this day.