British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2
British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2.
Role	Prototype of bomber.
National origin	UK
Manufacturer	British Aircraft Corporation
First flight	1964
Introduction	Project cancelled
Primary user	Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment
Number built	3 examples

The British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 was a super cool British military aircraft. It was a special kind of bomber plane designed for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Its main job was to fly very fast and low to deliver powerful weapons. It used the same type of super-powerful engines as the famous Concorde supersonic jet. Only one test plane, called a prototype, ever flew.

What Was the TSR-2?

The TSR-2 was a very advanced aircraft for its time. It was built in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. The name TSR-2 stood for Tactical Strike and Reconnaissance, meaning it could attack targets and gather information. The "2" meant it was the second design of its kind.

Designed for Speed and Low Flight

This plane was designed to fly extremely fast. It could fly at twice the speed of sound. It was also meant to fly very low to the ground. This made it hard for enemy radar to spot. Imagine flying so fast and low that you could almost touch the treetops!

Powerful Engines

The TSR-2 had two huge turbojet engines. These were similar to the ones used in the Concorde passenger jet. These engines gave the TSR-2 incredible power. They allowed it to reach amazing speeds.

Why Was the TSR-2 Special?

The TSR-2 was a very ambitious project. It aimed to combine many different abilities into one plane. It was meant to replace several older aircraft.

Advanced Technology

It had some really cutting-edge technology. This included advanced radar systems. It also had special navigation tools. These helped it fly accurately, even at high speeds and low altitudes.

Carrying Weapons

The main purpose of the TSR-2 was to carry weapons. It was designed to carry a powerful nuclear weapon. It could also carry regular bombs. This made it a very strong military aircraft.

Why Was the Project Cancelled?

Even though the TSR-2 was very advanced, the project was stopped. This happened in 1965. Only one prototype aircraft ever flew.

High Costs

One big reason for stopping the project was the cost. Building such an advanced plane was extremely expensive. The British government decided it was too much money.

Political Decisions

There were also political reasons. The government at the time made a decision. They chose to buy planes from other countries instead. This was a very controversial choice. Many people thought it was a mistake.

What Happened to the TSR-2 Planes?

Only three TSR-2 planes were built. One of them flew for testing. The other two were used for ground tests.

Museum Pieces

After the project was cancelled, most of the planes were destroyed. This was to prevent any parts from being copied. However, two of the planes survived. You can see them in museums today. One is at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The other is at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. They are a reminder of what could have been.

Images for kids

• 

  XR222 in white anti-flash finish, worn by all the completed TSR-2s, at Duxford, 2006

• 

  TSR-2 XR222 photographed at Duxford, 2009

• 

  TSR-2 XR220 at RAF Museum Cosford, 2002, with open access panel revealing interior details

• 

  TSR-2 XR222 photographed at Duxford, 2009

• 

  TSR-2 XR222 engine exhaust nozzles photographed at Duxford, 2009. The hinged panel in the centre above the engine nozzles contains the braking parachute

• 

  Serial number XR222 was one of only three "flight ready" TSR-2s completed, photographed at the Supermarine Spitfire 60th Anniversary Airshow, Duxford, 1996.

• 

  XR220 at the RAF Museum, Cosford, 2007. The two cockpit canopies are coated with a thin film of gold to protect the occupant's eyes from a nuclear flash

• 

  TSR-2 XR222 photographed at Duxford, 2009

• 

  TSR-2 XR220 at RAF Museum Cosford, UK

• 

  Forward fuselage used for testing seen on display at Brooklands Museum

• 

  XR220 profile drawing

See also

In Spanish: British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 para niños