Strategy, Tactical, Leadership, and Technology

The Tornado stands as a top all-weather, day-night, supersonic fighter-attack aircraft. It was developed and built by the tri-nation Panavia consortium created by Britain, Germany, and Italy. It was, at its outset, one of the few tactical aircraft able to attack at very low level, at any time, in any kind of weather. However, this fighter has done more than strike alone. Tornado variants also have been optimized for electronic combat and air interception, plus maritime missions. The Tornado has two engines. Its variable-sweep wings offer great operational flexibility-maneuverability and efficient cruise in the spread configuration , high speed in the swept configuration. It was built in three main variants: the IDS (interdiction-strike) fighter bomber, the ECR (electronic combat/reconnaissance) defense suppressor, and the ADV (air defense variant) interceptor. It has advanced navigation and flight computers, fly-by-wire controls, a sophisticated cockpit, and a retractable refueling probe. Designed to excel at low-level air attack against Warsaw Pact forces, the Tornado has been extensively modified by the RAF to perform medium-level strike and other missions. The fighter first saw combat in the 1991 Gulf War, when RAF and Italian air force Tornados we re heavily engaged, especially in the earliest days. Since the early 1990s, the Tornados of all four owning nations-Britain, Italy, Germany, and Saudi Arabia-have seen action in many conflicts, from Bosnia to Serbia, from Iraq to Afghanistan and Libya. Tornado operators have carried out various upgrades and life extensions that will keep the fighter in frontline service for years.