The German Tornado:

The Tornado is a true multi-role aircraft build by Panavia – a multi national concern comprising aerospace companies from the UK, Germany and Italy. This aircraft was purpose built for the defence of the UK, Germany, Italy and ultimately NATO while at the same time reducing costs with the multi national approach to the construction and development of the aircraft. Germany had specific requirements and accepted the IDS (Interdiction/Strike) version from 1981 for use by the Luftwaffe (212) and Marine (112). A follow on order resulted in the 35 ECR (electronic combat reconnaissance) Tornados optimised for the anti-radar role and suppression of air defences.

Tornado in the latest NORM 95 Grey colour scheme.

Tornado in the original green colour scheme, NORM 83 B Marine.

The design of the Tornado with a swing main wing makes the aircraft ideally suited for very low level flight, with long range, despite a high weapons load with the capability of short take-off and landings. To facilitate very low level flying while at the same time ensuring the safety of the crew and aircraft, very high tech terrain-following equipment is used. This can be used down to 30 meters above ground level. During the flight the radar is used for ground mapping and the image displayed to the WSO, who can use the information to adjust the course of the aircraft for very accurate weapon delivery. In addition the aircraft is fitted with a modern self protection system comprising of both active and passive systems.

Apart from the main task of both the IDS and ECR version, tactical reconnaissance is also possible in any IDS version with the use of an external reconnaissance pod fitted with optics by Carl Zeiss. The performance of the latest version of the recce pod from 5000ft is very impressive and said to be the worlds best at this altitude.  AG51 from Jagel had until recently the primary task of reconnaissance before the anti-ship capability was added to the Sqdn. Although four sqdns are equipped with the Tornado in the Luftwaffe, only AG51 has a tactical recce capability.