standing multi role combat aircraft variable geometry wing jointly developed united_kingdom project cancelled june withdrew participation modified specification solely satisfy royal_air_force needs design sought new partners aircraft ultimately emerged tri national consortium funded tornado variable geometry wing fighter aircraft development background project followed earlier design study variable geometry strike trainer fighter aircraft royal_air_force number proposed designs meet anglo french collaboration discussions took place france great_britain collaborative military aviation programs chairman anglo french committee french counterpart negotiating launch new military combat aircraft french lead role light ground attack trainer british assumed leadership swing wing fighter project cancellation british french governments signed agreements joint projects based tactical combat support trainer proposal later evolve cancellation larger variable geometry carrier capable fighter aircraft french_navy fulfilling tactical strike reconnaissance roles royal_air_force design specifications raf service originally intended fighter replacing following raf decision phantom instead expected role changed strike aircraft replacing bomber force powered fed style half shock cone engine development programme contract issued french government joint venture company registered france cancellation founder firm bore leadership major project essentially taking subordinate position threatened company long term objective premier prime contractor combat aircraft year began actively undermine project working competing house projects variable geometry june french government announced withdrawal project ostensibly grounds cost french decision led debate house_of_commons french withdrew programme faced dilemma stemming imminent prospect decision taken november march redesign prospect operational aircraft available fulfill raf strike role revamped design eliminating carrier capabilities longer necessary larger strike oriented aircraft renamed funding united_kingdom seriously restricted government sought partners nato create common nato strike aircraft eventually led project later tornado specifications data disaster britain characteristics crew length wingspan height loaded weight powerplant speed mph range ferry service ceiling armament millimetre tactical nuclear weapon
AFVG