During the 1960’s, the cost of developing combat aircraft soared. European nations needed a new fighter, but no single country could afford to develop it. Great Britain, West Germany and Italy formed the Panavia Company to coordinate their joint efforts. Costs also required one plane that could perform a great many different tasks. The result was the Tornado. It has been called the most versatile combat airplane ever built.
     It was great for close air support. Its variable wing design was similar to that of the FB-111 Aardvark, and permitted it to fly low at any speed, much as the A-10 Warthog. Plus, it could take off in only 1,600 feet and land in 1,200, permitting it to be deployed to virtually any runway. In addition, its two Turbo Union engines could each deliver 15,000 pounds of thrust, and the flexible Tornado could quickly soar to altitude at a speed of mach 2.2, making it ideal for interception. A stiff airframe and versatile payload configuration let it fly in at high speed and low altitude to avoid radar, making it a great fighter bomber.
     This magnificent full-color poster is loaded with pictures and information. A large side view shows a pre-series Tornado of the Aeronautica Militaire Italiana (Italian Air Force). Other pictures show the prototype; models flown by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force), Marineflieger (German Naval Aviation); and Royal Air Force during in-flight refueling. A view of the underside shows the variable swept wing configuration and bomb load. A highly detailed cutaway drawing shows everything: airframe, engines, fuel tanks, cockpit and much more. 159 parts and components are labeled.
     Well-written and documented text provides background, history, operational use, dimensions, specifications, performance and characteristics. 24.75” x 35.”
 

 Aircraft in Detail

   Panavia Tornado