Panavia Tornado Gr.1A & Gr.4A

After the Tornado IDS had entered service with the RAF, Luftwaffe, Marineflieger & AMI, it became clear that the Tornado had qualities which would make it an ideal reconnaissance aircraft. Germany & Italy proceeded to develop a reconnaissance pack for the Tornado, which was eventually produced by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) to be fitted in the cannon ammunition bay of the Tornado IDS. Flight trials began in 1985, & existing Tornado IDS aircraft were fitted with the packs a few months later. The packs contain infrared cameras, linescan equipment & thermal imaging modules controlled by a reconnaissance management system. The equipment is operated by the second crewman, who controls the systems via computers installed in the cockpit.

The official Panavia designation for the reconnaissance pack equipped Tornado is the Tornado ECR, but is designated Tornado GR.Mk1A in RAF service. The RAF took delivery of 29 GR.Mk1As initially; 15 were converted from GR.Mk1s & 14 were delivered from new. The RAF then took delivery of more GR.Mk1As in the early 1990s. GR.Mk1As have flown in virtually every conflict in which the RAF has been involved since they entered service.

Type: All-weather day/night reconnaissance aircraft

Powerplant: two 7,292kg (16,075lb) Turbo-Union RB.199-34R Mk103 turbofans

Performance: Max. Speed 2,337km/h (1,452mph); Service ceiling 15,240m (50,000ft); Combat radius 1,390km (864 miles)

Dimensions: Wingspan 13.91m (45ft 7.75in) spread & 8.6m (28ft 2.5in) swept; Length 16.72m (54ft 10in); Height 5.95m (19ft 6.25in); Wing area 26.60m² (286.3ft²)

Weights: Empty 14,091kg (31,065lb); Max. take-off weight 27,216kg (60,000lb)

Armament: Seven external hardpoints for up to 9,000kg (19,840lb) of stores, including JP233, ALARM & ECM pods

Service: The GR.1A & GR.4A are in service with the RAF (30 aircraft)

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