I think a stretched version of the FB-111 was offered as a lower cost alternative to the B-1. That probably fits the fill.
So basically an American TU-22M. I like it.
I think a stretched version of the FB-111 was offered as a lower cost alternative to the B-1. That probably fits the fill.
AIUI, the US wanted foreign investment in developing the Raptor. But when no one was willing to pony up the money, they restricted the plane to US only. If Australia, the UK, Israel and say Canada are willing to pitch in on the development of the Raptor, that could mean far more F-22s in service and the development of the FB-22 as an Ardvaark and Strike Eagle replacementMaybe would be different for FVEY countries but the US was pretty persnickety about foreign involvement in the Raptor. I think the Japanese were interested and that idea did not get very far.
Perhaps the British and French continue development of the SEPECAT Jaguar into something along the lines of a improved F111. I could see a decent export market in several countries. First and foremost in India. The Indians in OTL were by a margin the largest non Franco/ Anglo customer and user of the Jaguar. They seem to love the things and plan on using them for decades to come. Perhaps combine that with earlier Indian economic liberalization leading to a better Indian economy in the 70s and 80's. This ATL India would be flush with cash ( relative to OTL) and with tensions rising with Pakistan and China would be looking for a better long range strike craft.
The Jag was designed as a supersonic trainer (like the F5) with secondary attack capabilities. It evolved into a really good attack aircraft intended to do CAS and light strike duties. There is no way it could evolve into a long range strike aircraft, it would be much cheaper and easier to develop a brand new aircraft.
I was once told by an old RAF hand that the early versions of the JAG with any type of ordinance on it, took off only due to the curvature of the earth!
It had problems with a lack of thrust which was addressed over time with modifications and development. It was however a very reliable air frame with excellent availability rates.
Have the AFVG (Anglo French Variable Geometry) program and also for the MRCA (Multi Role Combat Aircraft) program in the late 60s continue resulting in a larger Tonka
The AFVG intended for a 4000 KM range Variable geometry wing nuclear bomber capable of mach 2.5 dash speeds
Have the French not bail out of the project in 67 and for it to survive to completion
So the Tonka eventually arrives as an Anglo/French 4000+ KM Fighter - bomber entering service in the 80s with a Long Range interceptor version built for the RAF to patrol the North sea and G-I-UK gap
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AFVG was woefully underpowered given its 2 M45s (12600 lbf each on afterburner IMS) for what was projected to be actually lighter than the Tornado (40-50,000 lbs top weight for slightly over 61,000). If you are going to make it even bigger... well start by changing powerplant to something delivering useful amounts of power to boot.
For Anglo-French options what was the range of the Spey engined Mirage IV* ? Alternatively take Mirage 4000, remove the M53s put uprated RB.199s in place...
AIUI, the US wanted foreign investment in developing the Raptor. But when no one was willing to pony up the money, they restricted the plane to US only. If Australia, the UK, Israel and say Canada are willing to pitch in on the development of the Raptor, that could mean far more F-22s in service and the development of the FB-22 as an Ardvaark and Strike Eagle replacement
In 2000 you replace it with the F-15E because the cold war has ended. The nuclear strike capability that the F111 and TSR2 provided isn't a priority any more and the F-15E's decent enough at the conventional mission and doesn't cost a tonne of money to develop at a time when defence budgets are shrinking.With a PoD of 1964 have a 1000mn+ unrefueled combat radius strike aircraft replace the F111 and possibly TSR2 in service by 2000.
That was a Japan specific issue though stemming from, as you mentioned, issues regarding tech transfer with the F2. OTOH, the US has less concerns regarding technology theft from the UK, Australia and Canada so would be more likely to sell the aircraft to them. (There are concerns with technology theft from Israel, so they may end up in the same boat as Japan).The US was never going to export the tech in the F22. The Japanese wanted in and was told to sod off as there were a lot of problems with tech-transfer with the F2 project, the suspicion was that the F22J would have had its stealth watered down in comparison to the F22A.