NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Multi-role Panavia Tornado ADV (Air Defense Variant) F.3, GR.1 and GR.4 IDS (Interdictor/Strike) aircraft were produced jointly by Germany, Italy and England from 1979 to 1999. Each country manufactured a number of unique specific parts of the aircraft. In addition, each country did the final assembly of the aircraft for its own air force. Engines for all aircraft were produced by Turbo- Union from a Rolls Royce design.
The upgraded Panavia Tornado GR.4 that replaced the GR.1 has the mission of a low level attack aircraft. It is designed to take out high value targets in all weather conditions using its terrain following and ground mapping radar systems. Missions can be safely flown as low as 200 feet above ground level while providing a smooth, gentle ride.
The Panavia Tornado model ADV mission is that of a long range interceptor. The primary difference between the ADV and other models is its 4' 7” longer fuselage. Its advanced radar system can track up to 20 aircraft while scanning a search area of up to 100 miles away. Its missiles are accurate at ranges of up to 27 miles.
All versions of the Panavia Tornado have wings that automatically sweep back to maximize the aircraft's aerodynamic performance. The aircraft have excellent short take off capability, which together with an on board APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) make them well suited for operation from unimproved forward air fields. They are designed to carry the largest variety of ordnance of any RAF fighter aircraft.
The Saudi Arabian Air Force has a combined total of 111 Panavia Tornado model ADV and IDS aircraft. During the 1991 Gulf War, Royal Saudi aircraft flew combat patrols along with RAF aircraft. The Saudi aircraft did not see any action. However, the RAF aircraft carried out over 1,500 bombing raids over Iraq. Six RAF Panavia Tornados were lost due to surface to air missiles.
In 1992 RAF model Panavia Tornado F.3's helped patrol Iraqi no fly zones. They also participated in U.N. operations over Bosnia-Herzegovinia.
In January 2003 RAF Panavia Tornado model GR.4 aircraft participated in the invasion of Iraq using stand-off missiles, GPS guided ordnance and improved anti radar missiles for the first time.
A total of 218 Panavia Tornado ADV and 992 IDS aircraft were produced.
In the picture right above is just one of the variable swept wing rc Panavia Tornado models on sale from NitroPlanes.com. Enter Code: CJ5 and take 5% off entire order. No Minimum Purchase Required! Click on the coupon code that is right for you. Coupons may not be combined.
Wingspan is 30" and length is 38". A brushless motor turns a 64 mm EDF. Weight is around 24 oz. It is available in different color schemes, as a kit, ARF, or RTF.
The first picture below is of the rc Panavia Tornado radio control airplane from Traplet Plans, designed and built by Chris Gold. It has a wingspan of 51" spread and 35" swept. The wings sweep open and closed by servo actuation. Fuselage length is 49". Power comes from two HP 300-20-6 motors driving WeMoTec 480 fans. All up weight is 4 1/2 lbs. with NiCd batteries.
The second picture below is a rc Panavia Tornado radio control airplane from Park Jets plans. It has a 33 1/2" spread wingspan and a 21" swept wing span. Length of the radio control airplane is 36". A Hyperion Z 2213/30 motor driving a 7 x 6 pusher prop powers it.
The last picture on this page is of the Panavia Tornado rc slope soarer built from plans obtained from the PSS Model Plans Directory. The rc airplane has a wingspan of 48". Andy Conway designed and built it. The RC Airplane uses two channel aileron and elevator controls.
If you have a favorite rc Panavia Tornado radio control airplane, or if you can recommend one, please tell us.
Panavia Tornado
