A different scenario for the RAAF having Phantoms ...
I like the idea of an 'AF-110
Spectre'. For a variation on the theme, what about sticking with a mixed fleet of single-engined
Mirage fighters and twin-engined
Phantom interceptor/recce aircraft?
I'm thinking that the original Australian
Mirage III order is switched into a '
Mirage VI' purchase. The latter (recycling a 1958 project designation) are GAF-built
Mirage IIIOs with GE J79 engines in place of the French Atar.
Alternatively, the GAF '
Mirage VI' could have followed the CAC
Avon Sabre pattern more closely. That is, a British-engined
Mirage for the RAAF. In fact, I think I'll run with that ...
The RAAF plans for locally-built
Mirages powered by a Rolls-Royce RB.168
Spey turbofan. French-built
Mirage IIIs are received as interim equipment with a 'buy-back' agreement with Dassault for these airframes as GAF-built
Mirage VIs become available.
The
Mirage VIO(F)s are all interceptors. The planned
Mirage VIO(A) attack aircraft have been put on hold pending the outcome of investigating replacements for the A84
Canberra. GAF proposed two schemes involving the RB.168
Spey turbofan. One was the rebuilding of
Canberras with RB.168 Mk.101 engines. The second was the license-building of the Blackburn
Buccaneer S.2 powered by the same engine type. Secretary of the Department of Defence Ted Hicks, CBE, approved the '
Super Canberra'.
The '
Super Canberra' programme never proceded beyond the engine-conversion testbed phase. Indeed, senior levels of the RAAF had opposed this programme from the outset. In 1963, Air Marshal Val Hancock, KBE, CB, DFC, set off on a multi-continent junket to assess more advanced
Canberra replacement options. He returned with high praise for the USAF's F-4C (F-110 as was) but recommended the unbuilt TFX project as the ideal candidate. Secretary Hicks rejected the TFX on grounds of cost and unproven performance. He and AIRMSHL Hancock compromised on the F-110 ... but also to be powered by RB.168
Spey turbofans.
The RAAF '
Spey Phantom' would emerge as a hybrid, combining the powerplant of the RN F-4K with the avionics and weapons of the USAF F-4C. In RAAF service, these aircraft were referred to as
Phantom II(F) interceptors - first operated by No. 1 Sqn RAAF - and
Phantom II(RA) recce-attack aircraft - first with No. 6 Sqn RAAF. A small number of
Phantom II(D) dual-control trainers were also used by No. 6 Sqn.
Ironically, the RAAF's
Phantom II(RA) and
Canberras of No. 2 Sqn would operated side-by-side from Phan Rang Air Base in Vietnam (as well as alongside the F-4Cs of 391st TFS and USAF B-57
Canberras of the USAF's 8th and 13th TBS). The RAAF's
Phantom II(F)s and
Mirages stayed home to defend the continent.