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 wideru flight envelope. Variable geometry allows the pilot and/or fly by wire system to adapt the aircraft's wing shape to the optimal settings dependent 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 stunning 1:72 scale diecast replica of a German Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado fighter-bomber that was attached to Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33, then deployed to Norvenich AB, Germany, during 2022. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 9-1/4-inches

Release Date: April 2024

Historical Account: "Jabos" - Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33 (Tactical Air Force Wing 33; abbreviated as: TaktLwG 33), formerly known as Jagdbombergeschwader 33 (Fighter-Bomber Wing 33; abbreviated as: JaBoG 33) is a fighter-bomber wing of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The wing is based in west Germany at Buchel Air Base. Its role are Air Interdiction, Offensive Counter Air and Close Air Support. The wing flies the Panavia Tornado IDS.

The Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader rondle and patch display a top down view of the Tornado IDS. The unit was renamed on October 1st, 2013, in the course of the restructuring of the German Air Force.

Jagdbombergeschwader 33 is the only remaining unit in the German Air Force capable of delivering nuclear weapons. In bunkers at Buchel Air Base, the United States Air Force can store up to 44 B61 nuclear bombs for use on the German Tornados. The number of currently stored bombs at Buchel is classified, but estimated to be between 10 and 20 bombs. The bombs are serviced, guarded and in case of war activated by the US Air Force's 702nd Munitions Support Squadron of the 52d Munitions Maintenance Group/52d Fighter Wing.

Due to the Buchel air base having a special mandate to ensure the safety of its nuclear weapons, the wing is the only flying unit of the Air Force to have an attached security squadron, the Luftwaffensicherungsstaffel "S". It is equipped with 429 soldiers, the largest squadron of the Air Force. On April 1st, 2013, it was reclassified into two sections.