Panavia Tornado

The Panavia Tornado is a fighter multi-roles developed jointly by the the United Kingdom, the Germany and the Italy during the years 1970. Two-seater, twin-jet aircraft, with wings with variable Geometry, it was produced with practically 1000 specimens brought into service in the years 1980, and was exported towards the Saudi Arabia.

Design

In 1967, several countries of NATO users of F-104G Starfighter start to seek a substitute to him. They then form an work group baptized MRA 75 (Multi Role Aircraft for 1975), that the the United Kingdom joined in 1968. The following year, the program is famous MRCA (Multi-Role Fights Aircraft) and 4 countries (the United Kingdom, the Germany, the Netherlands and the Italy) create a common company Panavia charged to develop and build the new plane. The Netherlands leave the project in 1970, while the distribution of the production between the participants is defined and that another common company is created to develop the engines: Turbo Union.

Two versions are initially envisaged: a single-seater for the Germany and a two-seater for the the United Kingdom. The single-seat version will be finally abandoned. Idea with the mode at the time (see the F-111 and MIG-23 for example), the use of a wing with variable Géométrie is essential quickly because it allows at the same time flights high speed and high-altitude (folded up wings), a low stalling speed reducing the length of track necessary (unfolded wings), and the reduction of turbulences during the flights at low altitude (wings in intermediate position). electric Orders of flight and a sophisticated system of followed ground are also developed.

First engine RB199 is tested on bench in 1971, then in flight in 1973. On its side, the first of the 10 prototypes of Tornado IDS makes its inaugural flight the August 14th 1974. There will be also 6 specimens of preproduction, of which the first will make its trial flight in February 1977. In parallel, the the United Kingdom decides to develop a version ADV of interception with long operating range, whose prototype flies for the first time on October 27th, 1979.

Production

The production of the various elements of the plane is distributed in the following way:

Fuselage before and derives by the the United Kingdom
Fuselage center section and back by the Germany
Ailes by the Italy

Each country is responsible for the final assembly of the planes which are intended to him. The deliveries with the units of combat begin in January 1982 for the the United Kingdom, July 1983 for the Germany and June 1984 for the Italy. Because of delays in the development of the radar FoxHunter , the deliveries of version ADV will begin only in July 1986.

In September 1985, the Saudi Arabia places a first order of 48 Tornado IDS and 24 ADV, which will be followed by another of 48 IDS additional. The total production reaches finally 977 specimens, including 100 for the Italy, 120 for Saudi Arabia, 359 for the Germany and 398 for the the United Kingdom.

Various programs of improvement, update and prolongation of the lifespan of Tornado were carried out in a way separated by each country users.

Engagements

Tornados of the RAF were engaged during the 2 wars of the gulf: the War of the Gulf (1990-1991) and the War in Iraq (2003-2006).

The Guerre of Kosovo (1999) saw the simultaneous engagement of English, Italian and German Tornados. They were the first missions of combat of the Luftwaffe since the Second world war.

Alternatives

Tornado exists in three principal versions:

IDS (Interdictor/Strike) of drive out-bombardment, with 2 guns and an electronics optimized for penetration at low altitude and high speed by all times
ADV (Varying Air Defense) interception, with only one gun, a lengthened fuselage of 3 meters, more powerful engines and a radar FoxHunter optimized for the interception
ECR (Electronic Fights/Reconnaissance) war electronic and of recognition, without guns but able to carry missiles anti-radar HARM.

Each of the 3 principal versions has an alternative of drive to dual control systems and was derived in several under-versions of which here the detail below.

Versions IDS

GR.1 - designation of English Tornado IDS, initial version (228 specimens + 96 for the Saudi Arabia)
GR.1A - IDS English without guns but capable of reconnaissance missions
GR.1B - English IDS able to carry the anti-ship missile Sea Eagle
GR.4 - programme of handing-over on level and modernization of the GR.1 and GR.1B (142 modified planes)
GR.4A - programme of handing-over on level and modernization of the GR.1A
Version for the German navy - able to fire the anti-ship missile Kormoran (112 specimens)
Version for the German air force (212 specimens)
Italian Version (100 specimens)

Versions ADV

F.2 - initial version without radar used for the drive (18 specimens)
F.3 - version of series (152 specimens + 24 for the Saudi Arabia)

Versions ECR

German Version - engines RB199 Mk 105 (35 specimens)
Italian Version - without capacities of recognition, engines RB199 Mk 103 (16 modified planes)

Country users

the United Kingdom - versions IDS and ADV
Germany - versions IDS and ECR
Italy - versions IDS and WRITTEN, as 24 ADV rented in the United Kingdom of 1995 to 2004
Saudi Arabia - versions IDS and ADV

Other characteristics

The engines of Tornado are equipped with a Thrust reverser making it possible to reduce the length of track necessary to the landing.

The wings of Tornado can be positioned with 25,45 or 67°.

See too

List of the military aircrafts

External bonds

a very complete site on Tornado

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