Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:13:46-1:14:14

The British follow-on considered for the Sea Vixen

Britain considered enlarged and improved Sea Vixen derivatives before choosing the Phantom as the more cost-effective path.

Carrier AviationDe Havilland Sea VixenF-4 Phantom IIFleet Air ArmNaval Procurement
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Question

Did Britain have a follow-on aircraft design to replace the Sea Vixen?

Short answer

Yes, improved Sea Vixen derivatives were studied, but the Phantom was judged the more cost-effective choice.

Notes

British designers studied several aircraft concepts to succeed the Sea Vixen. The proposals included larger or more capable derivatives, with later discussion mentioning thin-wing, longer-range, and more radical versions. The government ultimately selected the Phantom rather than fund a wholly domestic successor. Procurement cost decided what the carriers received despite the range of British design work.