Warbirds

Panavia "Tornado" IDS

The Tornado IDS, is the last version of the long range of Tornados produced by Panavia, it was developed to fullfill the requirements of three airforces ( The Royal Airforce, The Luftwaffe, and the Italian Aeronautica Militare ) and a navy ( German navy ). The three countries worked together in Panavia. The only thing they all agreed on where the variable geometry wings, or 'swing wings' wich enables it to perform well on low altitudes, as well on mid and high altitudes, and greatly improving its landing characteristics. The rest of the Tornado took a while longer to finaly be approved by all three nations. The Tornados' wings are Italian, its fuselage is German, and its nose is constructed in Great Brittain. Its top speed is mach 2.2, and its landing speed, under normal conditions, is 215 kph, or about 115 kts. IDS stands for Interdiction/Strike, and thats exactly what it does best. The Tornado is comparable with the F-111, Now only in service with the RAAF. The Tornado has seven hardpoints which together offer upto 9000 kg of bombs, missiles, and rockets a place underneath its fuselage and wings. It flew in the Gulf, it was shot down more often then other coalition aircraft, due to its dangerous ground hugging misions, destroying, airfields, communications, and bridges with deadly accuracy.

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