Originally Posted by
Barksdale Boy
The Jaguar and Buccaneer seem strange omissions.
It would perhaps be easier to list those which needn't have turned up, but I can't think of any. If the 10 have to meet the prerequisite of frontline operational requirement, then its still very difficult to pick 10 which were more important. You could argue that of the three V-Bombers, the Valiant played an interim role prior to the Vulcan and Victor. Then how about the mark 2 versions of the latter two anyway? The Harrier, Buccaneer and Phantom were very important for revising the RAF's tactical roles, especially in Germany. The Lightning provided the much needed quick response to the growing threat of long range strike by the Soviets TU-16 Badgers in the early 1960s. Imagine if Duncan Sandys had his way entirely? Imagine trying to shadow and identify a Soviet TU-16/20/95 with a Bloodhound?!?!?!?
FB