Price range: £95.00 through £300.00
“All modern aircraft have four dimensions: Span, Length, Height and Politics. TSR2 simply got the first three right.” (Sir Sydney Camm)
The British Aircraft Corporation TSR2 was potentially the finest tactical strike and reconnaissance aircraft of its generation. Years ahead of its time, it was cancelled in 1965 by the Labour government after successful initial flight-testing. Almost 50 years later, the decision to cancel the TSR2 project is still surrounded by rumour, scandal and controversy.
Among the legacies of TSR2 are the design and development of the Jaguar and Tornado aircraft but, if lobbyists, politicians and politics could have been kept out of the equation, who knows what this great Cold War aircraft project could have become.
Michael Rondot’s atmospheric portrayal captures the power and graceful lines of the TSR2 at high speed, with the characteristic black smoke trail from its Olympus engines.
The original oil painting on canvas 24″ x 36″ is available for sale. Please use the Contact Us link for further details. Serious enquiries only, please.
The edition is limited to 300 signed and numbered copies, with 20 canvas prints.
Remarque copies and Artist’s Proofs are also signed by three of the leading engineers/aerodynamicists who created the TSR2.
Signatures:
Remarque prints and Artist’s proofs are additionally signed by:
50th ANNIVERSARY MATTED EDITION.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of the first flight of XR219 in September 1964, we prepared a few prints with the additional matted original signatures of TSR2 test pilots ROLAND BEAMONT and JIMMY DELL. These prints are delivered flat with the mount and backing already in place, ready for framing. Please Contact Us for availability.
The British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 remains one of the most controversial “what-if” aircraft in aviation history. Engineers developed this strike and reconnaissance machine during the late 1950s and early 1960s. They intended for the aircraft to serve as the backbone of the RAF. This high-quality limited edition print captures the futuristic, sleek lines of a machine decades ahead of its time. Indeed, the TSR-2 design allowed it to penetrate heavily defended territory at supersonic speeds and ultra-low altitudes.
Engineers designed the TSR-2 for both conventional and nuclear weapons delivery. Specifically, its mission profile involved high-speed, low-level penetration to strike high-value targets. Additionally, the aircraft carried systems for advanced signals intelligence and side-looking radar imagery. Only one airframe ever took to the skies. While test flights revealed some performance challenges, the aircraft’s potential remained undeniable. This limited edition print honors the engineering ambition of the British Aircraft Corporation. If you love mid-century aviation, explore our full classic jets collection.
Rising costs and inter-service squabbling eventually doomed the TSR-2. Consequently, the British government made the controversial decision to scrap the entire programme in 1965. Ministers initially planned to order the American General Dynamics F-111 as a replacement. However, they later rescinded that decision as costs for the US jet also began to climb. This limited edition print serves as a tribute to the “great white bird.” You can see the real aircraft today by visiting the RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford.
Following the cancellation, the RAF adopted the Blackburn Buccaneer and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Interestingly, officials had rejected both aircraft earlier in the procurement process. Years later, the Panavia Tornado fulfilled the roles originally intended for the TSR-2. Owning a limited edition print allows you to preserve the memory of this unique British achievement. In fact, the TSR-2 remains a symbol of British aerospace capability at its peak.
A limited edition print provides a stunning visual record of an aircraft few people ever saw fly. Finally, these digital assets offer a detailed look at the unique wing design and powerful Bristol Siddeley Olympus engines. Therefore, this print makes an essential addition to any collection focused on the Cold War or experimental flight. Shop our gallery today to secure your own piece of TSR-2 history.
| Dimensions | 70 × 49 cm |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof, Matted Artists Proof, Remarque, Matted Remarque, Double Remarque, Canvas Print |
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