Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Tornado>HA6710

General Background

The Panavia Tornado was a joint effort between the UK, West Germany and Italy to produce a two-seat, dual-engine aircraft with variable-sweep wings. The Tornado took its maiden flight on August 14, 1974 with the first aircraft being delivered to the German Air Force on July 27, 1979. There are three main variants of the Tornado, the IDS (interdictor/strike), ECR (electronic combat/reconnaissance) and ADV (air defense variant) interceptor. By the end of production in 1998 there had been 992 aircraft of all versions built of which 745 were IDS variants.

The Aircraft

Normally the Royal Saudi Air Force remains within their own territory but because of their relationship with the UK and the RAF they decided to fly there and do combined exercises with the Brits. Exposure to other force’s tactics and logistics can prove to be of great benefit to the Saudis. “Exercise Saudi Sword 2007” took place at RAF Lossiemouth between August 27 – September 7. Eight Tornados from Dahran AB arrived for the exercise that was hosted by RAF No. 617 Squadron. One of the Tornados was 703/ZE114.

Specifications :

Country of origin:	Italy, UK, West Germany
Service entry date:	1979
Crew:	2
Dimensions
Length:	17.72 m (58.1 ft)
Wingspan:	13.92 m (45.7 ft) expanded 8.6m swept (28.2 ft)
Height:	5.95m (19.5 ft)
Weight:
Empty:	13.8 t (30,423 lb)
Maximum Takeoff :	27.9 t (61,508.9 lb)
Performance
Power Plant:	2 X Turbo-Union RB.199 Mk. 103 turbofans Producing dry with afterburners 2 X 38.48 / 71.50 kN
Maximum speed:	2,236 km/h (1,389 mph)
Range:	1,390 km (863.7 miles)
Ferry range with drop tanks:	3,900 (2,423.3) – 4,300 km (2,671.9 miles)
Service Ceiling:	15.2 km (49,868.77 ft)
Armament:	Cannon – 2 X 27 mm IWKA-Mauser
	Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles
	Brimstone anti-tank guided missiles 454 kg free-fall bombs CPU-123/B Paveway II GBU-28 Paveway III laser-guided bombs