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 dependant 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 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Panavia Tornado GR4 fighter-bomber that was nicknamed "MacRoberts Reply" and bears the RAF's 90th Anniversary scheme. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 11-inches
Length: 11-1/4-inches

Release Date: August 2018

Historical Account: "MacRoberts Reply" - As one of the world's most capable low-level strike aircraft, able to operate at day or night and in all weather conditions, it is sobering to think that the RAF began operating the Panavia Tornado over 35 years ago and it is now very much in the twilight of its service career. Seeing plenty of action during this time, the Tornado has been at the forefront of the RAFs offensive capability, with successive upgrades and improvements allowing the aircraft to deliver the latest precision munitions effectively and gather vital battlefield reconnaissance information.

During Operation Ellamy in 2011, Tornados operating from RAF Marham and a forward operating base at Gioia del Colle in Southern Italy were involved in combat missions over Libya, imposing a no-fly zone during the Libyan Civil war and protecting the civilian population from possible attack. Equipped with Sky Shadow ECM pods to help the aircraft evade enemy interception over the combat zone and the devastatingly effective Storm Shadow air launched cruise missile, RAF Tornados destroyed numerous armored vehicles and artillery pieces, ensuring the success of the operation.