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 RAF Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado IDS all-weather bomber that was attached to No.15 Squadron, then participating in Operation Granby during 1991. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: December 2021

Historical Account: "Operation Granby" - Operation Granby, commonly abbreviated Op GRANBY, was the code name given to the British military operations during the 1991 Gulf War. 53,462 members of the British Armed Forces were deployed during the conflict. The total cost of operations was 2.434 billion pounds (1992), of which at least 2.049 billion pounds was paid for by other nations such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia; 200 million pounds of equipment was lost or written off.

The Joint Commander Gulf Forces, based in the United Kingdom at RAF High Wycombe, was Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Patrick Hine (October 1st, 1990 - March 31st, 1991), and Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon (from March 31st, 1991). His political adviser was Andrew Palmer. The Commander British Forces Middle East, the in-theatre commander, based in Riyadh, was initially Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Andrew Wilson (September - October 1990), then Lieutenant-General Sir Peter de la Billiere (October 6th, 1990 - March 1991), and Air Commodore Ian Macfadyen (from March 1991).

The Air Commander British Forces Middle East, initially Arabian Peninsula, was Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wilson (from August to November 17th, 1990), then Air Vice Marshal William (Bill) Wratten (from November 17th, 1990).

The Senior British Naval Officer Middle East was Captain Anthony McEwen, Royal Navy until September 1990, on HMS York, then Commodore Paul Haddacks (from September to December 1990). Finally, Commodore Christopher Craig, on HMS Brave and HMS London, was in command from December 3rd, 1990, to March 1991.