TSR-2 What If?
Part 2

By Stuart Beatson & Mark Powley
Sapmail, July 2001

Last month we looked at the history of the TSR2 so this month let's have a look at some of the potential colour schemes it could have worn.

  So what would have happened had the TSR2 been given a chance? It seems likely that had Mountbatten not interfered, the Australian Air Force would have purchased the TSR2 and would probably still be flying it today. Hmm....TSR2 in RAAF camouflage. It is doubtful that the RAAF would have left the TSR2 in its anti-radiation white finish so what would they have chosen? A natural metal/aluminium lacquer finish is possible, especially in the period straight after its introduction. More likely would have been a Mirage-style finish of Olive Drab and Extra Dark Sea Grey or the later Dark Green, Dark Sea Grey and Light Aircraft Grey. Markings would probably have been along the lines of the F-111 with the Blue and Yellow lightning flashes of 1 and 6 Squadrons. Had it still been in service by the 90's then overall Gunship Grey or a two-tone Grey finish with lo-viz markings would be the go. The aircraft supplied to ARDU (Aircraft Research and Development Unit) have the potential to be the most colourful: camouflaged uppersurfaces with White sides and undersurfaces or even International Orange and White are two options.

  It is also likely that with export orders the British would not have been so keen to cancel the project and probably would have adopted the TSR2 themselves. This gives plenty of scope for potential colour Schemes. One that comes to mind is a British TSR2 in Desert Storm Pink with some great nose art. In normal service the white would have been dropped in favour of the standard RAF Dark Green/ Dark Grey.

  Who knows with the problems that were experienced with F-111 maybe even the Americans may have purchased it and given it an A- or B- designation (B-53 perhaps?). The SE Asia camouflage scheme of Olive Drab, Tan and Medium Green over Black undersides would have been the winner here. The war in Vietnam and the TSR2's almost certain use in that conflict gives plenty of opportunity for mission markings and nose art. An intriguing option is in the low level/high speed strike role which brings us to the Euro 1 (aka Charcoal Lizard) used on the A-10 Thunderbolt. Certainly an eye catcher. Overall Grey with lo viz markings on a modern aircraft goes without question. With operations in the Gulf War ground crew and pilots would have grabbed the chance to add nose art and mission markings where possible.

  Another potential buyer might have been the West German Luftwaffe. Grey, Green with Light Grey undersides would have been the standard camouflage applied. What about a Kreigsmarine maritime strike version ala the Tornado?

  All the services mentioned would almost certainly have various aircraft given special markings for Squadron anniversaries, display teams and so on. Lots of potential there.

  As you can see, with a bit of imagination and research anyone modelling the TSR2 doesn't need to be restricted to the plain white prototype. Have fun!

articles | Sapmail | top