Panavia Tornado
Panavia Tornado Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)
The birth of the Tornado came about through a collaboration between the UK, Germany and Italy for the development of a multi-role strike aircraft. The UK required an effective and modern strike aircraft. Germany and Italy needed a replacement for their F-104 Starfighters.
The Tornado Multi-Role Combat aircraft (MRCA) has been the RAF’s principal strike weapon system over the past twenty years.
Tornado - Multi-Role Combat
Tornado GR4s
British Tornado Aircraft
The Tornado was designed for low level strikes against enemy targets using a wide range of conventional and non-conventional ordnance. With the variable geometry of the swing-wing, enabling high speed at low level while maintaining good handling at low speeds. Low speed capability was essential for the use of makeshift runways.
Tornado Aircraft Variations:
Please Click on the specific Tornado name to view more in depth information, if available.
Work in progress more to come soon.
- IDS Tornado - Panavia, all weather supersonic tactical strike aircraft,
generic term for 'bomber' IDS = Interdictor/Strike - ADV Tornado - Air Defense Variation, dedicated interceptor fighter version.
- F.Mk 3 Tornado - British version for air defense interceptor, also known as the Tornado ADV
- RCR Tornado - Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance,
dedicated to reconnaissance and enemy air defence suppression. - GR.Mk 1 Tornado - United Kingdom's version of the Tornado IDS.
- GR.Mk 1A Tornado - UK's version of the Tornado ECR model.
- GR.Mk 1B Tornado - Dedicated Anti-Shiping version of GR.1.
Equipped to launch Sea Eagle missiles and carry 'buddy' in-flight refuelling pods. - GR.Mk 4 Tornado - Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) of the Tornado Mk 1 model.
- GR.Mk 4A Tornado - Mid Life Upgrade of the Tornado Mk 1A model.
Other Helpful Links:
Flir Commercial Vision Systems - Designers of the GPS systems fitted for the G4 (MLU) Mid Life Update
BAE Systems - Tactical Air Navigation systems
DIEHL BGT Defence - Missile Systems
