IDS-Interdictor/Strike Tornado's
Panavia Tornado GR1 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)
This tornado was originally designed for supersonic low altitude level strikes against ground targets using a multitude of non conventional and conventional ordnance methods. With the installation of the variable geometry 'swing-wing' enabling high speeds at low levels while still maintaining good handling at low speeds. As the IDS tornado called for the use of makeshift runways, while still sustaining low speed capabilitys.
Tornado GR1's (MLU) Mid Life Upgrade program to GR4's
The original RAF Tornado GR1 aircraft went through an (MLU) Mid Life Upgrade program during the 90's and early 2000's, the planes upgraded into GR4's. Many systems were improved and updated during the upgrade including the addition of GPS systems from FLIR. The Upgraded GR4 Tornados have a much more durability at higher altitudes due to its upgrade.
Overall the Panavia GR1-GR4 Tornado's are a very effective aircraft. Still in use within the RAF today until the Eurofighter Typhoon comes fully online.
British IDS Tornado
Saudi Air Force IDS Tornado
German Panavia IDS Tornado
The Panavia Tornado being a product of the 1970's was really intended for strike missions across Europe against Warsaw Pact forces. The cold war never went hot though so the Tornado's first action was to be in 1991 during Desert Storm.
The Tornado deployed both normal loadouts and the JP-233 submunition dispenser pods. These being primarily intended for putting runways out of service. When on a JP-233 mission the Tornado would come in low over the target and release the munitions from the pods. The munitions would then parachute down to the target and detonate.
The Tornado also played it's part in Kosovo and in Iraq during 2003.
While the tornado was intended primarily as a strike aircraft to be used against ground and sea targets, the tornado has always had a limited air-to-air capability. One version of the Tornado however was designed with this role as it's primary function, this being the Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant) or Tornado F.2 and Tornado F.3
Different Variations of the Tornado Aircraft:
Please Click on the specific Tornado name to view more in depth information, if available.
Work in progress more to come soon.
- Introduction to Tornado's
- 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 - Deigners of the GPS systems
