During the late 1960's a number of European countries examined ways to replace their existing fleet of combat aircraft using next-generation design techniques. Several countries looked at variable geometry wing configurations as a means of making a plane perform well throughout a wider flight envelope. Variable geometry allows the pilot and/or fly by wire system to adapt the aircraft's wing shape to the optimal settings dependent on its height, speed, and load. The Tornado takes this one step further and incorporates swiveling weapons pylons that always ensure the stores are parallel to the airframe, thus minimizing drag and improving airflow across the entire surface of the aircraft especially at low altitudes.

Britain and France joined forces on a variable geometry aircraft project, called the Anglo French Variable Geometry (AFVG) project. France was already in the process of developing a variable geometry airframe of its own. In 1968, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and Canada formed a working group to look at replacements for the aging F-104. The outcome was initially called the Multi-Role Aircraft (MRA) project, which was later changed to the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MCRA). Britain later joined this group on the strength of its variable geometry design.

Pictured here is a stunning 1:72 scale diecast replica of a German Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado fighter-bomber that was attached to Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 51 "Immelmann", then deployed to Schleswig-Jagel, Germany, and participating in "Tiger Meet 2014" during June 2014. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 9-1/4-inches

Release Date: August 2022

Historical Account: "Immelmann" - Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 51 "Immelmann" (Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann"), formerly known as Aufklarungsgeschwader 51 (Reconnaissance Wing), is a tactical reconnaissance wing of the German Air Force.

In the beginning of the 1990s, the German Air Force disbanded its two reconnaissance air wings (Aufklarungsgeschwader 51 in Bremgarten and Aufklarungsgeschwader 52 in Leck) and phased out their RF-4Es. At the same time, the German Navy made the decision to disband one of its two Tornado fighter-bomber wings. A new dedicated tactical reconnaissance air wing was needed, so in 1992 the Tornado IDS aircraft and manpower of the 1st Flying Squadron of the Navy's MFG-1 together with the Jagel Air Base were transferred to the Air Force to form the new wing under the interim designation Air Force Tornado Wing Jagel. The 2nd Flying Squadron became the third Tornado squadron in the Navy's single remaining fighter-bomber air wing - the MFG-2 at Tarp-Eggebek. A year later in 1993 the wing took over the 51st Reconnaissance Wing (Aufklarungsgeschwader 51 (AG-51)) designation and the honorary name of World War I German flying ace Max Immelmann.

After the German Navy disbanded its fighter-bomber aviation in 2005, the AG 51 took over the maritime strike role. A further reduction of the German Air Force saw the specialized Suppression Of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role and Tornado ECR aircraft of the disbanded JBG-32 in Lechfeld in 2013 transferred to AG-51. The disbandment of Tornado tactical flying training in the US rounded out the wing's current mission package of tactical reconnaissance, electronic warfare, maritime strike and Tornado flying training.

The wing operates 25 Panavia Tornado aircraft in the tactical reconnaissance role and has two reconnaissance ground stations that can be deployed on overseas operations. The Tornado aircraft are equipped with reconnaissance sensors that are carried in a pod mounted under the fuselage. Depending on the variant used, the reconnaissance pod with optical and infrared sensors, can reconnoiter targets both day and night.

In 2007, to support NATO coalition operations across Afghanistan, Aufklarungsgeschwader 51 "Immelmann" deployed Tornados to Mazar-i-Sharif, Northern Afghanistan.

On October 1st, 2013, the unit was renamed in the course of adaptations to the new structure of the German Air Force from Reconnaissance Wing to Tactical Air Force Wing.