Naval Javelin

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Often in debate the speculation over getting the RAF to order the DH110 Sea Vixen is mentioned and put forward as a solution to the FAA's woes by riding on RAF investments into the system........

But perhaps the question ought to be turned around and asked what if the FAA had accepted the 'Harmonious Dragmaster' into service?

After all the various marks of Javelin added reheat, guided weapons, and the design was flexible enough to house different radar sets.
 
Getting the Tin Triangle off and onto a carrier deck might have been an interesting occupation.
 
CNH said:
Getting the Tin Triangle off and onto a carrier deck might have been an interesting occupation.

But not impossible.
And not impossible to give it folding wings and nose to fit down the lifts.
 
I was allways astonished by the capabilities of the F-4D Skyray to land on an aircraft carrier with only its delta ogival wing… (and no canard or horizontal fin)
 
Not the Javelin! I feel if any aircraft would be a complete chump at sea it would be the Javelin.
Its aerodynamics might not have been suitable at all and even with reheat it was a sluggish beast.
 
The Javelin was not as bad as other deltas would have been as it had a tail and split flaps that allowed a very flat landing attitude, which matters when getting back on a carrier. See at 1:50 here'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M9Sj75hYgU

The big wing also gave lots of lift, which helps when getting off the ship with a load.

Also good speed control on approach as the air brakes were effective and rapid, allowing high thrust to be maintained for a wave off, rather than spooling the engines up slowly. Image from http://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=18821.1455 (someone needs to mention 'you are not lined up!')
 

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Height in the hangar might also have been a issue with that high T tail.
 
Javelin was 16 ft high, 3 inches less than a Buccaneer. Eagle/Ark Royal hangars were 17.5 ft.

The RN did insist (until the F-4K got a 'waiver') on a folded span of 22 ft, which would have been a challenge.
 
Considering that the FAAordered just 142 Sea Vixen, while the RAF ordered far more Javelin.....
Some 430 over time.

Didn't it have a 39' dish radar?
And several radar types.
Ok it would need further strengthening for carrier ops.
 
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