BAC TSR-2

BAC TSR-2
Country	UK
Role	Tactical strike/reconnaissance aircraft
First flight	27 September 1964
Built	2

The British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 (for “tactical strike and reconnaissance 2”) was a cancelled Cold War strike and reconnaissance aircraft developed by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The TSR-2 was designed to penetrate a well-defended forward battle area at low altitudes and very high speeds, and then attack high-value targets in the rear with nuclear or conventional weapons. Another intended combat role was to provide high-altitude, high-speed stand-off, side-looking radar and photographic imagery and signals intelligence, aerial reconnaissance. Only one airframe flew and test flights and weight-rise during design indicated that the aircraft would be unable to meet its original stringent design specifications. The design specifications were reduced as the result of flight testing.

Source: BAC TSR-2 on Wikipedia

TSR.2 Walk Around
Photographers	Michael Benolkin, David Spurgeon-Jackson
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	45

BAC TSR-2 01

BAC TSR-2 02

BAC TSR-2 03

BAC TSR-2 04

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BAC TSR-2 08

BAC TSR-2 09

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Cosford TSR2 Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Tony Taylor
Photos	37

TSR2 Cosford

General Characteristics and Role

The BAC TSR-2 (Tactical Strike and Reconnaissance, Mach 2) was an ambitious, highly advanced Cold War aircraft developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) to replace the English Electric Canberra. Designed under the extensive General Operational Requirement 339 (GOR.339), it was intended to be an all-weather, long-range tactical strike and reconnaissance aircraft capable of operating at both high altitude (Mach 2+) and extremely low altitude (Mach 1.2) using terrain following radar. The project was controversially cancelled in 1965 despite promising flight test results.

Property	Typical Value (Prototype/Design)
Role	Tactical Strike and Reconnaissance (TSR) Aircraft
National Origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	British Aircraft Corporation (Vickers-Armstrong & English Electric)
First Flight	27 September 1964
Crew	2 (Pilot and Navigator/Weapon Systems Operator)
Length	27.13 m (89 ft)
Wingspan	11.28 m (37 ft)
Height	7.32 m (24 ft)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	Approx. 46,357 kg (102,200 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engines: Two Bristol Siddeley Olympus 22R Mark 320 afterburning turbojet engines.
Maximum Thrust (with afterburner): 136.7 kN (30,610 lbf) per engine.
Maximum Speed (High Altitude): Mach 2.15 to Mach 2.35 (Planned).
Maximum Speed (Low Level): Mach 1.1 to Mach 1.2 (Planned, for terrain following).
Ferry Range: Approx. 5,000 km (3,100 mi) with external tanks and in-flight refueling capability.
Low-Level Combat Radius: Approx. 1,000 nmi (1,850 km) operating at Mach 0.9.
Takeoff Requirement: Designed for short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, aiming for takeoff runs of around 490 meters (1,600 feet) from rough strips using blown flaps.
Key Technology: Advanced terrain following radar for high-speed, low-altitude penetration.

Armament and Avionics

Internal Armament: One large internal bomb bay.
- Internal Payload: Up to 2,720 kg (6,000 lb).
- Weapons: Could carry one large nuclear weapon (like the Red Beard) or multiple smaller tactical nuclear weapons (WE.177) or six 1,000 lb conventional bombs.
External Armament: Four underwing pylons.
- External Payload: Up to 4,500 kg (10,000 lb).
- Weapons: Could carry additional conventional bombs, WE.177 nuclear weapons, or air-to-surface missiles like the AS.37 Martel.
Built-in Armament: None.
Avionics: Included an advanced automatic navigation system, Doppler radar, and the terrain following radar essential for its low-level strike role.