Marineflieger Saunders-Roe SR.53A
The introduction of the production version of the Saunders-Roe SR.53 into service with the German Naval Air Arm [Marineflieger] was not without controversy, as it faced serious completion from the Lockheed F-104.
However, the well publicised handling issues which plagued the F-104, together with favourable reports on the handling characteristics and performance of the SR-53 from both British and German Test Pilots, tipped the balance in favour of the British aircraft, much to the annoyance of Lockheed, who were rumoured to have been offering [and as was subsequently revealed, paid] substantial financial inducements to various Politicians to secure orders from European Air Forces.
The SR.53 gave the Bundesmarine a very capable light weight quick reaction interceptor which served them well for a number of years, until it was eventually replaced by latter variants of the F-104 which was forced on the Luftwaffe and Marineflieger against their better judgement by their Political masters.
