The Jaguar programme began in the early 1960s with a RAF requirement for an advanced trainer to replace the Gnat T1 and Hunter T7 and a FAF requirement for ECAT (Tactical Combat Support Trainer) as a subsonic dual role trainer and light attack aircraft to replace the Magister, T-33 and Mystere IV.
There was then a MoU in 1965 to develop jointly a trainer based on ECAT and the larger Anglo-French Variable Geometry (AFVG).
Initially the RAF was to get 150 Jaguar "B" trainers, with the strike / attack requirements being met by the AFVG. The FAF was to get 75 Jaguar "E" trainers and 75 "A" single-seat strike / attack aircraft.
In 1967, France cancelled the AFVG on cost grounds. This left a gap in the RAF's planned strike / attack capabilities. Germany then expressed an interest in the Jaguar and so the design became more oriented towards the low-level strike / attack role.
With both TSR2 and P1154 cancelled, the RAF reviewed it's strike / attack requirements. The intention at this point was to get F-111 and AFVG. However, both F-111 and AVFG were seen as at risk of cancellation and the FAF was already looking at Jaguar for the strike role.
AVFG was cancelled in 1967 as was the RAF order for 48 x F-111K in 1968.
The RAF plan then switched to using Jaguar as a strike / attack aircraft - and the ratio of single-seat to two-seat was flip flopped to 165 GR1 and 35 T2 - previously the fleet was going to be predominantly two-seat.
This then allowed the Jaguar to replace the Phantom FGR2 in the strike / attack / recce role (a serious retrograde step !) freeing the latter up to replace the Lightning in the AD role (a serious upgrade).
The RAF then got the Hawk for advanced training and the FAF got the Alpha Jet. The GAF got the Alpha Jet for light attack as well. France cancelled the planned Jaguar "M" as a replacement for the Etendard and got the Super Etendard instead.
Last edited by RAFEngO74to09; 21st Jan 2017 at 16:58.