Air Power
Tornado GR4
The Tornado GR4 is a multi-role, variable-geometry interdictor aircraft optimised for low-level penetration of enemy airspace for precision attacks against high-value targets. The GR4 has fly-by-wire flight controls with mechanical back up, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce RB199 afterburning turbofan engines, giving the aircraft a low-level high subsonic cruise capability. The GR4 can operate in all weather conditions, using Terrain Following Radar (TFR) and Ground Mapping Radar (GMR) to guide the aircraft and identify the target.
Designed and built as a collaborative project in the UK, Germany and Italy, the Tornado programme was initiated in 1968 and known as Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). A new tri-national company, Panavia, was set up in Germany to build the aircraft.
The first prototype flew on 14 August 1974 and initial orders from the three partner countries totalled 640 aircraft, with the work share divided in relation to the number of aircraft ordered; UK and Germany 42.5% each and Italy 15%. The initial RAF requirement was for 220 Tornado GR1 aircraft, and the first of these was delivered to the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore in July 1980. The first front-line squadron to re-equip with Tornado was IX Squadron at Honington (previously a Vulcan unit) from June 1982. Tornado GR1s eventually equipped a total of 10 front-line squadrons as well as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU) (later No 45 (Reserve) Squadron) and TTTE.
The GR4 is the result of a British Aerospace upgrade programme to GR1 aircraft, adding Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), a wide angle Head-Up Display (HUD), improved cockpit displays, Night-Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility, new avionics and weapons systems, updated computer software and Global Positioning System (GPS). The upgrade also allows for carriage of the Storm Shadow stand-off missile, Brimstone advanced anti-armour weapon, RAPTOR and Vicon reconnaissance pods and the Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD) targeting pod. A separate programme covered an integrated Defensive Aids Suite consisting of the radar warning receiver, Sky Shadow radar jamming pod and BOZ-107 chaff and flare dispenser.
The heart of the Tornado GR4's navigation and attack system is the main computer, which takes its primary reference from an inertial navigation system (INS) supplemented by Global Positioning System (GPS). Targeting inputs can come from the GMR, FLIR, TIALD, Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS) or visually, and available weaponry includes Paveway 2 or 3 laser- or gps-guided bombs, ballistic or retarded "dumb" 1000lb bombs, Cluster Bomb Units (CBU), Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile (ALARM) and Sidewinder missiles and a single 27mm cannon.
RAF Tornados participated extensively in Operation GRANBY (The Gulf War), and have been deployed on operational detachments almost continually since. Regular training detachments are carried out in Canada, USA and Europe.
A dedicated reconnaissance version, the GR4A, is also in RAF service, and this is described separately.
Roles: Air Interdiction (AI). Low- or medium-level attacks using precision-guided, freefall or retarded bombs. Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). Attacks on enemy air defence systems such as surface-to-air missile positions with ALARM.
Specifications:
Entered Service: 1980 (Tornado GR1)
Powerplant: Two afterburning Turbo Union RB199-103 turbofans of 15,800lb st. each
Span: 45ft 7in (13.90m) - wings fully spread; 28ft 2in (8.60m) - 68° sweep
Length: 54ft 10in (16.70m)
Max Speed: 1,452mph (2,336km/h/Mach 2.2) at 36,000ft (11,000m); 710mph (1,140km/h) at sea-level
Accommodation: Pilot and navigator in tandem seating
Armament: One Mauser 27mm cannon and up to 18,000lb of ordnance.
Available weapons include Paveway 2 or 3 laser-guided bombs, ballistic or retarded "dumb" 1000lb bombs,
Cluster Bomb Units (CBU), Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile (ALARM).
For self-defence, Sidewinder missiles are carried.
All photos Copyright of The Royal Air Force
