AA38601 -- BAC TSR-2, XR219, Flying Prototype, 1964

The Tactical Strike, Reconnaissance 2 (TSR-2) was an ill-fated Cold War strike aircraft developed by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) for the Royal Air Force in the early 1960s. It 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 close-in bomb runs and precision drops. TSR-2 included a number of advanced features that made it the highest performing aircraft of this type in the world.

The prototype TSR-2, XR219 flew from Boscombe Down on 27th September 1964 and the test programme soon made good progress despite some initial problems. However, a Labour Government had taken office shortly after the TSR-2's first flight and the writing was on the wall.

XR219 was the only example to fly, the project being cancelled controversially in favour of the General Dynamics F111, a procurement that was later cancelled.

Thankfully the ordered destruction of all the TSR-2 prototypes did not happen. XR219, along with prototypes XR221 and XR223 were lost, having been taken to Shoeburyness range in Essex and used for target practice. The other two prototypes were rescued and XR220 was placed on display at RAF Cosford's Aerospace Museum, whilst XR222 was initially sent to the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield and is now on display at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

Limited Edition Scale 1:72 Wingspan 156mm