Jump to content

BAe/Saab Thunderbolt GR.1


Devilfish

Recommended Posts

With the requirement for a ground attack aircraft for use in RAF Germany, and other theatres, various aircraft were looked at, including a collaboration with the French, for a mutual ground attack/trainer aircraft.  Common ground couldn't be agreed on, and BAe were approached by Saab, who had just developed the Viggen ground attack aircraft.

A deal was struck where Saab would build the airframes, and then BAe, in conjunction with other British aviation companies, would fit the RR Spey engine and avionics.

 

The Thunderbolt entered service in 1975, and served for many years, including during the Gulf Wars.

 

44523032552_69ba4451a2_z.jpg20180909_125055 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

 

44523032102_d0e7755566_z.jpg20180909_125104 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

 

44572380711_63b9efbc1e_z.jpg20180909_125117 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

 

Kit is the Italeri 1/48 one, with a few small mods.

  • Like 19
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice work. Seeing this reminds me. Has anyone seen the current Aeroplane Monthly with the TSR2 feature. Within the article are mentions and drawings of the Mirage IV for the RAF as one of the choices . Also fitted with Speys, Also mention of possibly having the A-5 Vigilante in RAF service. More potential what could have been What ifs !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Paul J said:

Nice work. Seeing this reminds me. Has anyone seen the current Aeroplane Monthly with the TSR2 feature. Within the article are mentions and drawings of the Mirage IV for the RAF as one of the choices . Also fitted with Speys, Also mention of possibly having the A-5 Vigilante in RAF service. More potential what could have been What ifs !

Like this you mean?

 

35761473695_b0896cdd67_z.jpgDSCF0073_zps2445b7f7 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

 

Fuselage stretched (scale 6ft iirc) to balance the Speys

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...