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 31 Squadron, then deployed to Bahrain during 1991. Now in stock!

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

Release Date: August 2023

Historical Account: "Operation Granby" - Even though it was in the twilight of its service career, the Buccaneer was called upon to take part in the 1991 Gulf War, but only at the eleventh hour. Tornado and Jaguar crews were carrying out low-level, interdiction strike missions against enemy targets, but the effectiveness of Iraqi anti-aircraft fire resulted in these sorties having to be carried out at a higher level, which reduced their effectiveness. The RAF needed to improve the standard of its precision bombing and the Buccaneer had the ability to laser target mark - twelve aircraft were rushed to the gulf. The 'Sky Pirates' were in the war and making a valuable contribution to the success of Operation Granby. Displaying the individual artwork associated with many RAF Gulf War aircraft, XW533 'Miss Jolly Roger' showed that sometimes, older aircraft can show the new boys how the job should be done.