Q&A · 1:38:17-1:38:33

Sea Vixen wingtip tanks and engine changes offer doubtful gains

Wingtip tanks are rejected as an improvement, while changing engines would also require changes to the Sea Vixen's airframe.

Aircraft Design Carrier Aircraft De Havilland Sea Vixen

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Question

Would the Sea Vixen have benefited from wingtip tanks or different engines?

Short answer

Wingtip tanks are rejected, and a different engine offers no clear gain once the required airframe changes are considered.

Notes

Wingtip tanks are not judged a useful improvement for the Sea Vixen. The engine choice offers no clear advantage once the airframe rearrangements needed to accommodate a different engine are included.