Originally Posted by
Vendee
I think it was always substandard
It didn't have the flexability to operate out of its original cold war role, unlike the combat proven GR1/4 which is still performing sterling work today.
Well you are entitled to your "opinion" but as the airframe was designed to loiter far offshore then dash and launch at either incoming sov bombers or cruise missiles it did it's job perfectly.
After the incremental improvements both to avionics and weapons it was a formidable interceptor; the SEAD role alone shows the versatility of the avionics and airframe...I don't think it was ever designated as a "fighter"; in those times we had the MFF for that...
Still, it won't be long before the real money spinners take over the show
