How many hours did the TSR.2 fly before its cancellation?

Short answer

By the date of its cancellation, the first TSR-2 had completed 24 flights and about 13 hours of flight time. Those tests were spread over a period of six months. The last flight was on 31 March 1965, and cancellation was decided on 1 April 1965.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How many hours did the TSR.2 fly before its cancellation?

Arado Ar 234 B-2 Blitz (Lightning)

24 flights and about 13 hours

By the date of cancellation, the first aircraft had completed 24 flights and about 13 hours of flight time. Those test flights were spread over a period of six months. The aircraft was performing well in flight.

From the last flight to cancellation

The last test flight took place on 31 March 1965. At two Cabinet meetings held on 1 April 1965 it was decided to cancel the TSR-2. The decision was announced in the budget speech on 6 April 1965.

The name and the engine

The initials TSR-2 come from the designation "Tactical Strike and Reconnaissance, Mach 2". The Olympus would continue its development and eventually power the supersonic Concorde.