Panavia Tornado ADV F3
The Panavia Tornado was developed by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy. Its versions included the Tornado IDS (interdictor/strike) fighter-bomber, the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) and the Tornado ADV (Air Defense Variant) interceptor. It also has been known as the world’s most sophisticated and capable interdiction and attack aircraft with long range and high survivability.
The Panavia Tornado ADV is a fighter interceptor version of the Panavia Tornado in service with the Royal Air Force. It entered service in 1986 originally designed to intercept Soviet bombers as they came in to strike the United Kingdom. The Tornado ADVs for the Royal Saudi Air Force were produced to F3 standard. It was developed to meet a RAF requirement for an interceptor to replace the Lightning F6 and Phantom FGR2. The first prototype was rolled out at Warton on 9 August 1979. The prototype made its maiden flight on 27 October 1979.
The RAF Tornado F3 made its combat debut in the 1991 Gulf War deployed to Dharhan, Saudi Arabia, however, they did not get the opportunity to engage any enemy aircraft. The combat operations continued as the southern no-fly zones over Iraq were patrolled. The Tornados flew from Saudi Arabia under Operation Bolton and then Operation Resonate South. These operations continued right up until 2003 when Iraq was invaded again.
The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding in 1985 for the Al Yamamah arms deal. This involved the supply of 24 Tornado ADVs along with other aircraft, weapons, radar, spares and a pilot-training programme. The Royal Saudi Air Force received its first ADV on 9 February 1989.
Specifications (Tornado F3)
Crew: 2
Powerplant: 2 x Turbo-Union RB199-34R afterburning turbofan
Maximum speed: 1, 262 knots (1,452 mph, Mach 2.27, 2,338 km/h)
Service ceiling: 15, 240 m (50,000 ft)
Guns: 1 Mauser BK-27 cannon with 180 rounds
Missiles: 4 x British Aerospace Skyflash or AIM-120 AMRAAM
4 x AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-132 ASRAAM on dual rails on inner wing pylon
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