During the late 1960's a number of European countries examined ways to replace their existing fleet of combat aircraft using next-generation design techniques. Several countries looked at variable geometry wing configurations as a means of making a plane perform well throughout a wider flight envelope. Variable geometry allows the pilot and/or fly by wire system to adapt the aircraft's wing shape to the optimal settings dependant on its height, speed, and load. The Tornado takes this one step further and incorporates swiveling weapons pylons that always ensure the stores are parallel to the airframe, thus minimizing drag and improving airflow across the entire surface of the aircraft especially at low altitudes.

Britain and France joined forces on a variable geometry aircraft project, called the Anglo French Variable Geometry (AFVG) project. France was already in the process of developing a variable geometry airframe of its own. In 1968, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and Canada formed a working group to look at replacements for the aging F-104. The outcome was initially called the Multi-Role Aircraft (MRA) project, which was later changed to the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MCRA). Britain later joined this group on the strength of its variable geometry design.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Panavia Tornado GR4 fighter-bomber that was attached to No.617 Squadron, then celebrating the 'Dambuster's 70th Anniversary'. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 11-inches
Length: 11-1/4-inches

Release Date: September 2013

Historical Account: "Dambusters" - 617 Squadron RAF will forever be associated with the most famous raid undertaken by the RAF during the Second World War, the Dambusters Raid. This is an event the Squadron rightly celebrates every year and with 2013 being the 70th anniversary of the raid, two Tornado GR4s have been specially painted to mark the event.

The aircrafts tail fins have received the striking design shown here and they will be displayed throughout Europe to mark the event. Despite the tail repaint, the aircraft are still very effective warplanes, remaining fully operational Tornado GR4 Ground Attack Reconnaissance aircraft. Based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland the Squadron specialises in using its Tornados for dangerous low level missions, as well as anti-shipping strikes and standoff attacks using cruise missiles.