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An RAF Example of the Panavia Tornado GR4
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Panavia Tornado
Tornado is the result of a collaboration between Germany, Italy and the UK for the development of a multi-role strike aircraft. Germany and Italy needed a replacement for their F-104 Starfighters while the UK required an effective and modern strike aircraft.
The aircraft was designed for ultra low level strikes against enemy targets using a wide range of conventional and non-conventional ordnance. The variable geometry 'swing-wing' enabling high speed at low level while maintaining reasonable handling at low speed. As the design called for the use of makeshift runways, this low speed capability was essential.
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The Panavia Tornado being a product of the seventies was really intended for strike missions across the European continent 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. Here they were used at low level and several were lost to AA fire from the ground.
The aircraft deployed both normal loadouts and the JP233 submunition dispenser pods. These being primarily intended for putting runways out of service. When on a JP233 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 has also seen service in Kosovo and in Iraq during 2003.
The original RAF Tornado GR1 aircraft went through an upgrade program during the 90s and early 2000s, the planes getting turned into GR4 machines. Many systems were improved and updated during the upgrade including the addition of GPS systems and a FLIR. The new GR4 Tornados have a much greater ability at medium altitudes due to the modifications.
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While intended primarily as a strike aircraft to be used against ground and sea targets, the aircraft 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 when in service.
These aircraft replaced both the Lightning and the Phantom in RAF squadrons.
The Panavia Tornado is truely a highly effective 'jack of all trades' aircraft, and in RAF service provides the backbone of the force until the Eurofighter Typhoon comes fully online during the 21st century.
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Another view of the Panavia Tornado GR4
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| Panavia Tornado GR1 |
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| Engine | Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk 103 Turbofans (2) |
Top Speed | Mach 2.3 approx. |
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| Weight | About 60,000 lb with a load on |
Wingspan | 45ft 7inches |
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| Length | approx. 54ft 10inch |
Weps. | 27mm Mauser cannon(2)
About 19,800lb dropable ordnance of most types fitted on wing and fuselage hardpoints. |
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| Country | UK, Germany,Italy |
Crew | 2 |
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