Challenging the Boundaries

[Lord Wasteland]

Today, as many know, the symbol of the free world is identified as the F-108 Rapier, and the CF-105 Arrow. Both fighters despite being over 50 years old, still remain in service for other countries. Despite North American Aviation ceasing production over ten years ago for foreign countries, foreign countries build their own versions of the fighter. The Avro Arrow, remains in limited production by Avro Canada, while other countries also build their own versions. In fact some countries including Japan, Brazil, Germany, and India fly both designed aircraft but in different roles. Where the Rapier is the dogfighter, the Arrow is the bomber.

In some cases it is believed to have been primarily believed caused by the build-up of Soviet strategic bombers, including the Tu-22 'Blinder' one of the most feared Soviet strategic bombers of all time. However, even with the growing ICBM designs, the aircraft were adapted for purposes.

The YF-107 Rapier would be rolled out on October 6th, 1960. The YF-107 was redesigned from the XF-108, which included a lengthened fuselage, and bigger launch-bay, so that four GAR-9 Air-to-Air Missiles could be held. The weight was increased, and reduced expected speed down to Mach 3.0 from Mach 3.3. The Avro Arrow, a 'sister' in sorts had already had a total of eleven operational aircraft, and the U.K. seeing the design, ordered a total of four for evaluation purposes, as well as two YF-107 Rapiers to see the merits of the design.

The CF-105 Arrow, would have the first aircraft roll out on October 2nd, 1957, resulting in a huge spotlight, and lasted for a while, despite the launch of Sputnik on the fourth. By the time the Rapier rolled out, Avro had a total of five Mk. I versions, and six Mk. II's operational. Another twenty-five Mk. II's had been confirmed as ordered, as well as an expected sixteen to thirty from G.B.

The Mk. II would break the height and speed records, but be broken by the F-107 in mid-1961 during it's trials. YF-107, serial number 23-9026 would be pitted in an contest against the CF-105 Mk. II over Northern America. The YF-107 in a simulated dog-fight would be shot down, but in the bomber interception, destroy the CF-105. Thusly, the two aircraft were evenly matched, and both symbols of the free world.

Hell, just an idea I thought of, that hopefully isn't too kinky. Be posting later about the Tu-22 Blinder.