PANAVIA “Tornado” GR.1 – the British multi-role fighter

The origins of the “Tornado” date back to 1968. Then the tripartite “PANAVIA” consortium was established to implement a project, known as the “MRCA” (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft). 1974 September 14 the first prototype flew and production oo the first of the 640 ordered fighters began, with production split between Germany and the UK at 42.5% and Italy at 15%. The “Tornado” is now the most important part of the air forces of three European NATO countries. It is in service in the British (RAF), Italian (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) and German (Luftwaffe) air forces and the German Navy (Marinefliege). In addition, a number of these aircraft were ordered by Saudi Arabia in 1986 and are included in its armed forces. There are three main versions of this aircraft: the “Tornado” ECR, the “Tornado” ADV and the “Tornado” IDS. The “Tornado” ECR is a German/ Italian reconnaissance version, capable of carrying Raytheon AGM-88 “HARM” anti-radar missiles. It is also armed with AIM-9L “Sidewinder” missiles for self-defense. The “Tornado” ADV is a fighter-interceptor version, equipped with an excellent “Marconi-Ferranti Foxhunter” radar with a range of up to 190 km and the ability to track up to 20 targets simultaneously. On the other hand, the “Tornado” IDS can also be used as an attack bomber to support ground forces. It can carry a very wide range of weapons, including “CWS” cluster bombs, “Paveway II” guided bombs, “GBU-15” guided bombs, AGM-65 “Maverick” air-to-ground missiles. In Britain this version is designated as the GR-1.

A complex, well-designed and richly detailed model of a modern fighter for intermediate and experienced modelers. The model perfectly reproduces the cockpit equipment, landing gear, its niches, visible engine detailing, a wide range of armament, a working mechanism for variable wing geometry, and exterior detailing. Unpainted metal parts on original aircraft are printed with "Metallic" type aluminum paint in edition. There are no color reserves. The textual instructions are not too large and explain only the most complex moments of assembling the model, the graphical ones are also not very large, but quite detailed, informative and easy to read. The model recreates the RAF 20 Tactical Division "Tornado" GR.1 "MIG Eater" from the Persian Gulf War, which was based at the Saudi Arabian base in Tabuk.