Panavia Tornado Aircraft

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Panavia Tornado Aircraft:

Panavia Tornado aircraft
Creator: SSgt Daryl Knee | Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defence | Copyright: Public Domain

The Panavia Tornado is a family of multirole combat aircraft developed collaboratively by the United Kingdom, West Germany, and Italy. Produced by Panavia Aircraft GmbH, the Tornado is renowned for its versatility, having served in various roles across its service life. Below are some key details about the aircraft:

Variants

  1. Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike)
    • Optimized for ground attack and strike missions.
    • Equipped with advanced avionics for low-level penetration and precision bombing.
  1. Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant)
    • Designed for long-range air defence missions.
    • Features longer fuselage and advanced radar systems.
  1. Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance)
    • Specializes in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) missions.
    • Equipped with electronic warfare systems and anti-radiation missiles.

Key Features

  • Swing-Wing Design: Variable-sweep wings allow for high-speed performance at low altitudes and efficient cruising at high altitudes.
  • Multirole Capability: Can be outfitted for strike, reconnaissance, air defence, and electronic warfare missions.
  • Advanced Avionics: Includes terrain-following radar, laser designation systems, and sophisticated navigation aids.
  • Thrust: Powered by two Turbo-Union RB199 afterburning turbofan engines, offering excellent thrust-to-weight performance.

Performance

  • Top Speed: Mach 2.2 (2,400 km/h or 1,490 mph) at altitude.
  • Range: Approximately 1,390 km (865 mi) on internal fuel, extendable with drop tanks.
  • Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft).

Operational History

  • Introduced: 1979.
  • Widely used during the Gulf War (1991) for ground attack missions.
  • Played a significant role in Operation Allied Force (Kosovo, 1999) and Operation Telic (Iraq, 2003).
  • Retired or replaced by modern platforms in several countries, though still operational in a few air forces, like the Italian Air Force.

Manufactured

Introduction  date

First flight

Retired

1979–1998

1979

14 August 1974

2019 (RAF)

 

Operators

  • Past and Current: United Kingdom (Royal Air Force), Germany (Luftwaffe), Italy (Aeronautica Militare), and Saudi Arabia.