Do we need the F 111?
Sir: Professor Laurence Martin's article 'Do we need the F 1111?' (5 January) is a useful review of the 'current situation concerning this controversial aircraft. - It is true that in 1966 much was made of the F 111's capabilities in the Far East for it was these which were alleged to justify the abandonment of the carrier programme. But it must be remembered that the .F 111 was bought as an alternative to the TSR .2 when that aircraft was cancelled with such singular lack of justification or foresight. TSR 2 was designed as a Canberra replacement primarily for use against the sophisticated defences which do not exist outside Europe. TSR 2 was such a fine aircraft that it could also be used in the Far East and the same is true of the Ill—but the primary function of both aircraft was and remains to provide tactical strike and reconnaissance cap- ability in Europe. Without the F III we shall have no effective air force which, among its various tasks, can give soldiers on the ground the air sup- port they must have.
Archibald Hope Chairman, The Air League, 142 Sloane Street, London SW1
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