A proposed radar-guided Red Top would retain limitations associated with its anti-bomber role and low manoeuvring limit. Making Sea Vixen supersonic would also leave it short of the Phantom's performance. Sea Lightning is suggested as an alternative capable of Mach 2, although its endurance at that speed is treated as a limitation. Variable-geometry wings are also mentioned in the Sea Lightning proposal.
Notable Point · 3:44:33-3:45:46
Red Top and the limits of a faster Sea Vixen
Red Top's anti-bomber limitations and the speed gap with Phantom complicate the case for extending Sea Vixen's service.