Originally Posted by
Dr Jekyll
Was it actually a 'bomb' being considered, or the Genie air to air missile that had a nuclear warhead?
It was a bomb though far more research went into deploying the Genie on the Lightning.
The Genie was an American unguided missile with a 1.5kt warhead which entered service with the USAF in 1958. The Lightning would deploy just one fitted to a similar pack to the one used by the Firestreak,. The Genie missile would allow all-aspect attacks and be able to tackle targets at 60,000ft. The UK would provide the warhead; the USA the missile
In the end possible issues over US control over its use and supply, its cost, and concern over whether the UK could provide the fissile material meant it was never acquired.