The White Paper proposed the smallest possible F-111A purchase to replace the Canberra while Britain waited for the Anglo-French variable-geometry aircraft. That project is described as reaching the Tornado only through a convoluted development path. V-bombers were also to leave the strategic role once Polaris became operational and supplement the interim force. The proposed reconnaissance use raises an obvious question about employing an aircraft as large as the Vulcan. Nuclear-force changes were shaping conventional strike and reconnaissance plans while the intended successor remained years away.
Notable Point · 20:00-21:27
The F-111 stopgap and the V-bomber role
A minimum F-111 purchase and V-bombers released by Polaris were meant to bridge the strike and reconnaissance gap before a new aircraft arrived.