British 1950s Projects - Micro Scale

In 1957, Defence Minister Duncan Sandys published a policy paper stating that no further manned aircraft after the English Electric/BAC Lightning would be required. Their roles in air defense and deterrence would be taken by missiles.

Some years ago, I produced VRML files of the cancelled aircraft projects and their missile replacements for a prospective Web project. Converted to .stl, they form a history lesson (as well as what-if wargame accessories for Luftwaffe as well as RAF/RN). All models are to 1:200 scale.

Saunders-Roe S.R. 177 - Land- and carrier-based jet interceptor fighter featuring built-in rocket motor for exceptional climb to, and performance at, high altitude. Also competed, in a strike version, against the Lockheed Starfighter for Luftwaffe contract until cancelled. US analog - F-102, F-104

Bloodhound - Long-range anti-aircraft missile, in effect the replacement for the S.R. 177. Rocket/ramjet propulsion. US analog - Bomarc

Hawker P.1121 Hurricane - Large, powerful jet fighter resembling a bigger F-16. US analog - F-101, F-105

Thunderbird - Mobile shorter-range anti-aircraft missile replacing manned fighter tactical air defense. US analog - HAWK

Avro 730 - Advanced bomber/reconnaissance aircraft with Mach 3 capability to update the V-bomber force and maintain credible nuclear deterrent. US analog - B-70

Thor IRBM - American liquid-fueled intermediate range ballistic missile to (with Polaris) replace the V-bomber deterrent.