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The Tornado F.3 is an air
defence fighter, one of several versions of the Tornado. The Tornado was
built by an International consortium which was composed of BAC, MBB and
Fiat. The first flight of the prototype took place at Manching in
Germany on August 14th 1974. The type was operated by the United
Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia. It was built in several
variants including the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike fighter bomber).
This variant was delivered to the Luftwaffe (212) and the Marineflieger
(112). The Italian Air Force received 100 Tornado IDS versions. The
Tornado GR.1 (228 built) was the low-level tactical strike version for
the RAF. The GR.1A was a reconnaissance version of the GR.1. The GR.1B
was the anti-shipping version of the GR.1. The Tornado GR.4 (142
converted from the GR.1) was an upgraded version with improved avionics
and a new weapons system. The GR.4A was a reconnaissance version of the
GR.4. The Tornado ECR was a reconnaissance version of the Tornado IDS
and operated by Italy and Germany. The Tornado F.2 and F.3 were fighter
versions for the RAF, Saudi Arabia and Italy. A total of 923 Tornados of all
versions were built.
ZG774 c/n 904/AS138/3446
International Two
seat fighter first flown in 1985
Engine: 2X 9,656lb.s.t(4380kg) Turbo Union
RB199 Mk.104
Length: 61'1"(18.62m)
Height: 19'6"(5.95m)Wingspan: 45'8"(13.91m)
No.built: 152 Range: 1,036miles(1,667km)-operational radius
Maximum speed: 921mph(1482kmh)Empty weight: 31,800lb(14,450kg)
Maximum take-off weight: 61,700lb(28,000kg)Service ceiling:
70,000'(21,300m)
Armament: 1X 27mm Mauser cannon. 4X AIM-9L Sidewinder AAM.
4X Skyflash AAM
A German Air Force Tornado IDS is shown below.
44+62 c/n 410/GS119/4162
Photo: John Chalmers
43+46 c/n 126/GS020/4046 Photo: John Chalmers
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