Luftwaffe Tornado IDS 50 Years Scheme
I started my career in avionics systems engineering on the MRCA and that was in 1971. The aircraft may have outlasted many who participated in its development. Yes, I too still have a couple of project ties.
(ExDAC but previously ExEASAMS)
(ExDAC but previously ExEASAMS)
It looks like a mix of all the colour schemes the jet has ever worn. It's very different to any of the other 'specials' I think.
To Tonka fans, enjoy it while you can before the all-gray F35 takes over the world!
To Tonka fans, enjoy it while you can before the all-gray F35 takes over the world!
Yes indeed.
And the GAF has continued to invest and update their versions of Tornado to maintain its effectiveness. Similarly the Italian and Saudi AF.
By contrast, the UK retired their GR4 jets far earlier due to cost pressures.
The Panavia Tornado and its organisation paved the way for EF Typhoon and now for the GCAP Tempest programme.
And the GAF has continued to invest and update their versions of Tornado to maintain its effectiveness. Similarly the Italian and Saudi AF.
By contrast, the UK retired their GR4 jets far earlier due to cost pressures.
The Panavia Tornado and its organisation paved the way for EF Typhoon and now for the GCAP Tempest programme.
plus, the German jets don’t fly so much because they spend half their lives in the paint shop for wacky schemes (I’m only half joking here)
Edit, to add: And the GR4 of 2019 was a very different beast from the GR4 of 1997, or even 2010.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documen...of-Tornado.pdf
Starts at the beginning rather than at first fight. Unfortunately the author uses ESAMS instead of the correct name EASAMS (Elliot Automation Space and Advanced Military Systems) as the systems integrator.
Starts at the beginning rather than at first fight. Unfortunately the author uses ESAMS instead of the correct name EASAMS (Elliot Automation Space and Advanced Military Systems) as the systems integrator.
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FB
The RAFs jets were pretty worn out, with the Force having been on ops almost continuously between Aug 90 and Jan 19. The other nations’ jets have not been subject to the same tasking pressures, hence why they have lasted longer.
plus, the German jets don’t fly so much because they spend half their lives in the paint shop for wacky schemes (I’m only half joking here)
Edit, to add: And the GR4 of 2019 was a very different beast from the GR4 of 1997, or even 2010.
plus, the German jets don’t fly so much because they spend half their lives in the paint shop for wacky schemes (I’m only half joking here)
Edit, to add: And the GR4 of 2019 was a very different beast from the GR4 of 1997, or even 2010.
Understood.
But remember that the GAF has recently had a programme of re-manufacture of some of the fuselage components in order to extend the service life. Something the UK could have done had it chosen to do so.
But it was obvious that the funding was going to be allocated to Typhoon, which was understandable.
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It's a little like the WWI Dazzle camouflage they applied to naval vessels
The Italians and Germans have painted many striking liveries on their aircraft. This one commemorates the 60th anniversary of the flying test wing of the IAF and made quite the impression at RIAT a few years ago.
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