TSR2 - What might have been

The TSR2 was years ahead of its time and embodied the world leading technological achievements of Britain’s aerospace industry of the early 1960s. It was as much radical in its state-of-the-art design concepts as it was controversial. The range of equipment specified and systems to be carried were so advanced, rising development costs at a time of a changing political landscape were to be its downfall.

Cancelled by spending cuts of a new Government after completing only 24 flights and less than 14 hours of airborne time, the true potential of this aircraft was never realised, leading to great speculation ever since of ‘what might have been’ and how differently the U.K.’s aircraft and defence industries might have developed had the aircraft reached RAF service.

This coin celebrates the iconic aircraft with a planform overlaid on a Union Flag backdrop on the obverse, surrounded by the nine TSR2 registrations assigned to the first development batch of aircraft.

The reverse depicts XR219 landing (the only aircraft of the type to fly), then streaming her braking parachute – together with the wording ‘What might have been’.

Manufactured using a brass-based blank, the coin is struck to give incredible detail that is filled with vivid quality enamels. At 2 inches (51mm) in diameter, the coin is 3mm thick and weighs 50 grams.

It comes complete in a black presentation box.

Get your memento of this British icon that is now revered within the halls of aviation folk-law by aviation enthusiasts across the globe.