DevelopmentĬolourful display of Thunderbird airframe in Anti-Aircraft Museum, Tuusula, Finland This consisted of a Ferranti developed search radar and the target illuminating radar was the RRDE's "Yellow River" fire control radar built by British Thomson-Houston. As both designs were generally similar in performance, a single set of radars was developed that could be used with either design. Bristol's efforts were fairly similar to EE's in most ways, although it was somewhat less mobile while offering somewhat better range.
Two entries were accepted for the original Stage 1 proposal, English Electric's existing project under the name " Red Shoes", and Bristol's "Red Duster". The Stage 2 missile was to have greatly increased range, speed and altitude capabilities. The Stage 1 missile would be later replaced with a much higher-performance and longer-range "Stage 2" system in the 1960s, based on the " Green Sparkler" missile. The Stage 1 missile would be used to protect the V bomber bases in the UK, as well as the British Army in the field. "Stage 1" called for missiles with a range of only 20 miles with capabilities against subsonic or low-supersonic attacking aircraft, which were assumed to be at medium or high altitudes. As the missiles were the least understood technology, the MoS decided to implement their deployment in two stages. While the project was starting, the Ministry of Supply (MoS) began work on what would become known as the "Stage Plan", which envisioned a multi-stage program to provide an integrated air-defence network including new radars, interceptor aircraft, and missiles. English Electric created a Guided Weapons Division to work on the project. Like the 3.7, the new missile would be operated by the Royal Artillery. As such, it was intended to replace the 3.7-inch heavy anti-aircraft gun that fulfilled this role during World War II. The Thunderbird originated in a proposal to English Electric in 1949 to develop a missile to provide ground based air defence to the British Army in the field. Thunderbird missile (front) The Stage Plan Thunderbird missile, a museum exhibit at the Midland Air Museum, England
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