Difference between revisions of "Tornado IDS MFG (Germany)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Apex Predators"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8021-event-winter-quest-en|2022 Winter Quest]] event.
+
During the acquisition of the Tornado IDS by the Luftwaffe, the Deutschemarine (German Navy) also received 112 Tornado IDS aircraft for the anti-shipping and maritime patrol/reconnaissance roles. The naval Tornados, designated ''"Marineflieger"'', were easily recognizable due to the sea-gray liveries they usually used, and were outfitted with special weapon systems not found on the Luftwaffe Tornados, allowing them to use the [[AS.34 Kormoran]] anti-ship missile and BL775 cluster munitions. At the end of the Cold War, per the CFE Treaty, half of the Marinefliegers would be removed from naval service and instead incorporated into the Luftwaffe, to replace a wing of reconnaissance RF-4 Phantoms. The remaining Marinefliegers would continue their anti-shipping and maritime roles until 2005, when their units were disbanded and the Tornados were dispersed back into the Luftwaffe and upgraded into the [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)|ASSTA]] standard.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced during [[Update "Apex Predators"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8021-event-winter-quest-en|2022 Winter Quest]] event. Being a older Tornado IDS variant, it lacks the [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)|ASSTA1]] upgrade found on its tech tree counterpart, meaning it can not use guided bombs and advanced targeting pods. However, being the Marineflieger (Naval variant), it gets access to the active radar [[AS.34 Kormoran]] anti-ship missiles, a very unique and niche weapon system. The Tornado is not great at air-to-air combat, and as this variant lacks its laser-guided bombs, it's also somewhat underwhelming in mixed battles against tanks. The IDS Marineflieger serves best as a collector's vehicle, due to its rare gift/event vehicle status, unique camouflages, and special weaponry. The aircraft does find a niche use on certain maps in Air [[Simulator Battles]], where its anti-ship missiles can be used against AI controlled naval targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 123: Line 125:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 137: Line 139:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannons, -mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)
+
* 2 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannons, chin-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9L Sidewinder|AS.34 Kormoran}}
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
 
  
* 2 x 1,500 l drop tanks
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
* 56 x large calibre countermeasures
 
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total)
 
* 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x AS.34 Kormoran missiles
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
  
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10 !! width="5%" | 11
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10 !! width="5%" | 11
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tornado_GR.1.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="8" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tornado_GR.1.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
+
! [[Mk 83 AIR (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR]] bombs
 
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2 || ||
 
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2* <sup>†</sup> || 1, 2 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
! AS.34 Kormoran missiles
+
! [[AS.34 Kormoran]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1<sup>†</sup> || || || || 1<sup>†</sup> || 1 || ||
+
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Large calibre countermeasures
 
! Large calibre countermeasures
 
| 28 || || || || || || || || || || 28
 
| 28 || || || || || || || || || || 28
 +
|-
 +
! Large calibre chaff
 +
| 600 || || || || || || || || || || 600
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 1,500 l drop tanks
 
! 1,500 l drop tanks
Line 176: Line 174:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="13" | * Bombs on hardpoint 6 cannot be equipped in conjunction with dual bomb mounts on hardpoints 4-8 <br> <sup>†</sup> AS.34 Kormoran missiles on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be equipped in conjunction with bombs on hardpoints 4-8
 
| colspan="13" | * Bombs on hardpoint 6 cannot be equipped in conjunction with dual bomb mounts on hardpoints 4-8 <br> <sup>†</sup> AS.34 Kormoran missiles on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be equipped in conjunction with bombs on hardpoints 4-8
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 2 x 1,500 l drop tanks
 +
* 56 x large calibre countermeasures + 1,200 x large calibre chaff
 +
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 7 x 1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 12 x 1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AS.34 Kormoran missiles
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
This Tornado sits at a lower BR than the other Tornados. In secluded 1-vs-1, energy trapping an opponent is a viable option. However, one needs to be aware of their surroundings so as not to be third-partied while at a lower speed.
 
  
It is advisable to bomb enemy bases, since the Tornado is not very good in air combat. Since you will almost always be ahead of your team, it is advisable to throw flares when you are going to bomb a base. Once the bases are bombed there are two options:
+
=== '''Air Realistic battles''' ===
 +
If used in Air Realistic battles, the Tornado IDS MFG should be used as a bomber rather than a fighter. Thus you should take 12 x 1,000 lb bombs for bombing and 2 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]]<nowiki/>s if needed. It is also recommended to take the 58 x countermeasures with you, as these will be your only option for evading a missile. Since the Tornado is very fast, you can quickly fly into the battlefield with afterburners turned on. While flying, you should watch out for enemy planes and missiles. It is best to fly low to the ground - less than 60 m above it - as you will often face Pulse-Doppler radar with missiles such as [[AIM-7 Sparrow (Family)|AIM-7]]<nowiki/>s and [[R-24R]]. The combination of the radar with these strong missiles will most likely kill you if you don't pay enough attention.
  
# Return to base, resupply and continue bombing
+
Once you are close enough to the base, quickly fly up so you can drop your bombs. To get the most out of your IDS MFG, drop half of your bomb load (6 bombs) and keep the other half for another base. Once the bombs are away, you should fly down again to avoid being detected or getting missiles. Then fly to another base and repeat the process.
# Try to support allies in air combat with missiles.
+
 
 +
If you're out of bombs, you can either fly back to base and rearm or make use of your missiles and engage enemy planes. Fire the missiles at unsuspecting targets, which are either in a fight or seem to not pay attention (e.g. when flying back to their airfield in a consistent straight line).
 +
 
 +
Also, always make sure to look around using your assigned button, since any engagement with an enemy fighter like the [[F-16A|F-16]], [[MiG-23 (Family)|MiG-23]] or [[MiG-29]] will put you at a high risk of dying!
 +
 
 +
=== '''Ground Realistic battles''' ===
 +
If used in Ground realistic battles, the Tornado can be lethal to enemy tanks due to its great armament. It is advisable to take the same weaponry as in Air battles (see above) since you will need the bombs to destroy ground targets and the AIM-9Ls and Flares/Chaff for any air engagement.
 +
 
 +
While flying into the battlefield, it is best to - again - fly low to the ground, as enemy fighters or SPAAs can easily shoot you down. So when you spawn, dive down immediately!
 +
 
 +
When over the battlefield, quickly drop your bombs and fly away as fast as possible. If you want to make another run, because you haven't dropped all of your bombs yet, make sure to avoid detection while turning in the air. If you see on your RWR that SPAAs like the [[Pantsir-S1]] are present, fly back to your airfield and rearm - even if you still have bombs.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 192: Line 215:
  
 
* Good acceleration and excellent top speed
 
* Good acceleration and excellent top speed
 +
** Higher bomb load and speed than SU-22
 
* Mauser BK27 guns have decent hitting power and ammunition capacity
 
* Mauser BK27 guns have decent hitting power and ammunition capacity
* Impressive bombload and access to AS.34 Kormoran anti-ship missiles
+
* Unlike other Tornado versions, has anti-ship equipment (missiles and radar)
 
* Access to two AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles stock
 
* Access to two AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles stock
* slow speed helps with turning when you have manual control of sweep wing
+
* Can act as a fighter when necessary
 +
** Variable wing sweep allows it to turn better when at low speeds, or during an emergency at high speed (at the risk of destroying itself)
 +
** Radar assisted gun makes intercepting incoming or leaving planes easier
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Bad manoeuvrability, makes air-to-air combat challenging
+
* Bad manoeuvrability makes air-to-air combat challenging, low air-to-air missile amount to compensate unlike other attacker options
* No access to guided bombs
+
* No access to guided bombs unlike other Tornados
* AS.34 Kormoran missiles are rather unreliable weapon, even against the ships
+
* Unstable wings, plane can rip itself apart when bombing at maximum speed at low altitude or when doing negative G manoeuvres
* Negative G manoeuvres can rip your wings off
+
* AS.34 Kormoran missiles are rather unreliable weapon even against the ships, the anti-ship search radar cannot locate planes
 +
* Tracking radar (ACM) is limited to 5°x6° until the target is locked
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 249: Line 276:
 
* [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)]]
 
* [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)]]
 
* [[Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy)]]
 
* [[Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy)]]
 +
 +
; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''
 +
 +
* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
 +
* [[Su-17/22 (Family)]]
 +
* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
 +
* [[F-111A]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 255: Line 289:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* [https://marine-flieger.de/mrca-tornado-pa200 <nowiki>[Marine-Flieger]</nowiki> MRCA Tornado PA200]  
+
* [https://marine-flieger.de/mrca-tornado-pa200 <nowiki>[Marine-Flieger]</nowiki> MRCA Tornado PA200]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8024-development-winter-event-vehicles-tornado-ids-marineflieger-en|[Devblog] Winter event vehicles: Tornado IDS Marineflieger]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8024-development-winter-event-vehicles-tornado-ids-marineflieger-en|[Devblog] Winter event vehicles: Tornado IDS Marineflieger]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Panavia}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Panavia}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 13:37, 24 November 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the strike aircraft Tornado IDS MFG (Germany). For other versions, see Tornado (Family).
◄Tornado IDS MFG
tornado_ids_de_mfg.png
GarageImage Tornado IDS MFG (Germany).jpg
◄Tornado IDS MFG
AB RB SB
11.0 11.3 11.3
Show in game
MARKET

Description

During the acquisition of the Tornado IDS by the Luftwaffe, the Deutschemarine (German Navy) also received 112 Tornado IDS aircraft for the anti-shipping and maritime patrol/reconnaissance roles. The naval Tornados, designated "Marineflieger", were easily recognizable due to the sea-gray liveries they usually used, and were outfitted with special weapon systems not found on the Luftwaffe Tornados, allowing them to use the AS.34 Kormoran anti-ship missile and BL775 cluster munitions. At the end of the Cold War, per the CFE Treaty, half of the Marinefliegers would be removed from naval service and instead incorporated into the Luftwaffe, to replace a wing of reconnaissance RF-4 Phantoms. The remaining Marinefliegers would continue their anti-shipping and maritime roles until 2005, when their units were disbanded and the Tornados were dispersed back into the Luftwaffe and upgraded into the ASSTA standard.

The ◄Tornado IDS Marineflieger was introduced during Update "Apex Predators" as a reward for the 2022 Winter Quest event. Being a older Tornado IDS variant, it lacks the ASSTA1 upgrade found on its tech tree counterpart, meaning it can not use guided bombs and advanced targeting pods. However, being the Marineflieger (Naval variant), it gets access to the active radar AS.34 Kormoran anti-ship missiles, a very unique and niche weapon system. The Tornado is not great at air-to-air combat, and as this variant lacks its laser-guided bombs, it's also somewhat underwhelming in mixed battles against tanks. The IDS Marineflieger serves best as a collector's vehicle, due to its rare gift/event vehicle status, unique camouflages, and special weaponry. The aircraft does find a niche use on certain maps in Air Simulator Battles, where its anti-ship missiles can be used against AI controlled naval targets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 11 582 m2 308 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude13 000 m
EngineTurbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight0 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 11,582 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,295 2,292 13000 29.4 29.5 172.1 169.8 800
Upgraded 2,324 2,308 28.6 29.0 220.0 195.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X
Limits Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
Min sweep 972 560 1,166 552 440 ~8 ~3
Max sweep 1,555 N/A N/A N/A ~9 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 670 < 650 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103 2 14,709 kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 56m fuel
968 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 16,236 kg 16,523 kg 17,429 kg 18,789 kg 19,799 kg 25,423 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 56m fuel MGW
Stationary 3,777 kgf 7,293 kgf 0.90 0.88 0.84 0.78 0.74 0.57
Optimal 4,192 kgf
(1,400 km/h)
8,155 kgf
(1,400 km/h)
1.00 0.99 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.64

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear0 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 338 → 5 043 Sl icon.png
RB7 885 → 11 914 Sl icon.png
SB10 119 → 15 289 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications306 000 Rp icon.png
468 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 330 / 600 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 200 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bk_27_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
AS.34
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bk_27_new_gun
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 200 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) Lead indicator
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: Mauser BK27 (27 mm)

The Tornado IDS MFG (Germany) is armed with:

  • 2 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannons, chin-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)

Suspended armament

The Tornado IDS MFG (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Hardpoints Tornado GR.1.png
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1, 2 1, 2* 1, 2* 1* 1, 2* 1, 2* 1, 2
1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs 1, 2 1, 2* 1, 2* 1* 1, 2* 1, 2* 1, 2
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AS.34 Kormoran missiles 1 1 1 1
Large calibre countermeasures 28 28
Large calibre chaff 600 600
1,500 l drop tanks 1 1
* Bombs on hardpoint 6 cannot be equipped in conjunction with dual bomb mounts on hardpoints 4-8
AS.34 Kormoran missiles on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be equipped in conjunction with bombs on hardpoints 4-8
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 1,500 l drop tanks
  • 56 x large calibre countermeasures + 1,200 x large calibre chaff
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total)
  • 7 x 1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs (7,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AS.34 Kormoran missiles
  • 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Air Realistic battles

If used in Air Realistic battles, the Tornado IDS MFG should be used as a bomber rather than a fighter. Thus you should take 12 x 1,000 lb bombs for bombing and 2 x AIM-9Ls if needed. It is also recommended to take the 58 x countermeasures with you, as these will be your only option for evading a missile. Since the Tornado is very fast, you can quickly fly into the battlefield with afterburners turned on. While flying, you should watch out for enemy planes and missiles. It is best to fly low to the ground - less than 60 m above it - as you will often face Pulse-Doppler radar with missiles such as AIM-7s and R-24R. The combination of the radar with these strong missiles will most likely kill you if you don't pay enough attention.

Once you are close enough to the base, quickly fly up so you can drop your bombs. To get the most out of your IDS MFG, drop half of your bomb load (6 bombs) and keep the other half for another base. Once the bombs are away, you should fly down again to avoid being detected or getting missiles. Then fly to another base and repeat the process.

If you're out of bombs, you can either fly back to base and rearm or make use of your missiles and engage enemy planes. Fire the missiles at unsuspecting targets, which are either in a fight or seem to not pay attention (e.g. when flying back to their airfield in a consistent straight line).

Also, always make sure to look around using your assigned button, since any engagement with an enemy fighter like the F-16, MiG-23 or MiG-29 will put you at a high risk of dying!

Ground Realistic battles

If used in Ground realistic battles, the Tornado can be lethal to enemy tanks due to its great armament. It is advisable to take the same weaponry as in Air battles (see above) since you will need the bombs to destroy ground targets and the AIM-9Ls and Flares/Chaff for any air engagement.

While flying into the battlefield, it is best to - again - fly low to the ground, as enemy fighters or SPAAs can easily shoot you down. So when you spawn, dive down immediately!

When over the battlefield, quickly drop your bombs and fly away as fast as possible. If you want to make another run, because you haven't dropped all of your bombs yet, make sure to avoid detection while turning in the air. If you see on your RWR that SPAAs like the Pantsir-S1 are present, fly back to your airfield and rearm - even if you still have bombs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good acceleration and excellent top speed
    • Higher bomb load and speed than SU-22
  • Mauser BK27 guns have decent hitting power and ammunition capacity
  • Unlike other Tornado versions, has anti-ship equipment (missiles and radar)
  • Access to two AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles stock
  • Can act as a fighter when necessary
    • Variable wing sweep allows it to turn better when at low speeds, or during an emergency at high speed (at the risk of destroying itself)
    • Radar assisted gun makes intercepting incoming or leaving planes easier

Cons:

  • Bad manoeuvrability makes air-to-air combat challenging, low air-to-air missile amount to compensate unlike other attacker options
  • No access to guided bombs unlike other Tornados
  • Unstable wings, plane can rip itself apart when bombing at maximum speed at low altitude or when doing negative G manoeuvres
  • AS.34 Kormoran missiles are rather unreliable weapon even against the ships, the anti-ship search radar cannot locate planes
  • Tracking radar (ACM) is limited to 5°x6° until the target is locked

History

Concept

In 1967, the countries of Great Britain, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, and West Germany decided to jointly develop a multirole fighter aircraft to replace the F-104 Starfighter. In 1968, the Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium left the project and the remaining nations signed an initial agreement. The definition phase began in 1969, requirements were placed on the new aircraft. The aircraft should be able to perform conventional and nuclear attacks, as well as aerial reconnaissance and naval warfare. To perform these tasks, the aircraft should have high survivability and be able to fly at extreme low altitudes, with high weapon accuracy in all weather conditions.

Development

In 1969, Rolls-Royce was chosen as the manufacturer of the new twin-jet engine.

Britain prevailed over Germany on the crew: Germany demanded one seat, as they did in the Starfighter. Ultimately, however, the decision was made to have two seats.

Production was split between nations, with being Britain responsible for the cockpit and tail, as well as the vertical stabilizer.

Germany made the center fuselage and air intakes, and Italy made the wings. Final assembly took place from 1973 on the three lines in Warton (Great Britain), Manching (Germany), and Turin (Italy). In 1976, the aircraft, previously known as the MRCA, was given the name Tornado. The first flight took place on August 14, 1974 in Manching (Germany). A total of 10 prototypes and six pre-production aircraft were built, of which the prototype P08 sadly crashed in 1979.

Service

The equipment of the task forces in Great Britain and Germany began in 1982, followed in 1984 by Italy, and in 1986 the only export customer, Saudi Arabia.

From 1990 to 1991, the German Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance variants (ECR) were produced. In 1995, 339 Tornado combat aircraft were in service with the German Armed Forces (Air Force and German Navy). The device unit price (aircraft costs) was estimated at that time at 55 million DM. In 1999, the last newly built Tornado was delivered to the Saudi Arabian Air Force. A total of 977 aircraft were manufactured.

Germany received 359 tornadoes from 1980 to 1991.

The Bundeswehr Navy used the variants IDS, Recce, and ECR.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development
Other jet planes with variable sweep wings

External links


Panavia Aircraft GmbH
Strike Aircraft  Tornado (Family)
Germany  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG
UK  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
Italy  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)

Germany jet aircraft
Germany flag.png  Luftwaffe
He 162  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Me 163  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0
Ho 229  Ho 229 V3
Ar 234  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
Me 262  Me 262 A-1a · Me 262 A-1a/Jabo · Me 262 A-1a/U1 · Me 262 A-1/U4 · Me 262 A-2a
  Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
GDR flag.png  LSK
Fighters  ◊MiG-15bis · ◊Lim-5P · ◊MiG-19S
  ◊MiG-21MF · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
  ◊MiG-29
Attackers  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◊Su-22M4
  ◊IL-28
FRG flag.png  Luftwaffe
F-84  ◄F-84F
F-86  ◄CL-13A Mk 5 · ◄CL-13B Mk.6 · ◄F-86K
F-104  ◄F-104G
F-4  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV
G.91  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4
Tornado  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1
Other  Alpha Jet A · ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100
Ex-LSK  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◄MiG-29G · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
Switzerland flag.png  Swiss Air Force
  ◌Hunter F.58 · FFA P-16