ACE CORPORATION PLASTIC HOBBY MODEL KIT 1/144 TORNADO GR. 1 RAF

The Panavia Tornado has been in large scale series with the air forces of Great Britain, German and italy since 1980, when the first unit, the Tornado Tri-national Training Unit (TTTE) formed at RAF Cottesmore. In recent years the type has received several upgrades in avionics, engines and weapon ; the latest GR4 version is also in service. First used operationally by the RAF and Italian Air Force during the 1991 Gulf War more recently Tormados saw action during the Kosovo conflict in 1999. At the peak of its RAF service there were 12 operational GR1 squadrons based in the UK and in RAF Germany; since the end of the cold war and general military force reductions on all sides. RAF front line units have shrunk to eight. During the 1990s the squadrons had dedicated roles;  in the UK nos. 2 and 13 are primarily equipped with the GR1A for reconnaissance and nos. 12 and 617with the GR1B for maritime strike. In RAF Germany four squadrons reside at Bruggen; of these nos. 9 and 31 are primarily dedicated to the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) role using the Bae ALARM (Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile), first used in the 1991 Gulf War, while nos. 14 and 17 have a precision bombing role and are equipped with TIALD (Thermal Imaging and Laser Designator) pod, also first used in the Gulf War; (No. 17 Squadron was disbanded in March 1999) More recently some of the dedicated roles have become less well defined and, for example, many of the units can engage in the overland and maritime bombing roles as required. The concept of the Bae ALARM missile is unique and in any mayor conflict the Tornados of nos. 9 and 31 squadrons would be amongst the first to enter enermy airspace. When flying almost within range of enemy radar's several ALARMS will be launched to high altitude where rocket motors are cut. Each missile slowly descends on its parachute, all the time searching for any enemy radar beams it can lock onto; if detected, the parachute is jettisoned and the rocket motor restarted to drive the missile into its target. The Tornado can carry a wide variety of stores and weapons and during the comming years new weapons and further upgrades will be introduced to ensure that Tornado remains operationally effective; carrying the 2,250 ltr.

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