Difference between revisions of "Tornado F.3 Late"

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{{About
 +
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Tornado (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=tornado_f3_late
 
|code=tornado_f3_late
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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 rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]].
+
In 1996, it was more than apparent that the Tornado F.3 was severely outdated by contemporary fighter-interceptor standards, especially when compared to aircraft of the time like the F-22 and Su-27M (later redesignated as the Su-35). As a result, to fulfil the original plan for the Tornado F.3 to serve in the RAF until at least 2010, the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) was announced to upgrade the Tornado F.3 fleet with contemporary electronics, weapons, and various other improvements. These included radar and FCS upgrades to allow the Tornado F.3 to fire the new AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9M missiles, to replace its aging Skyflash and AIM-9L selection. However, due to poor management of previous FCS and radar upgrades to the RAF fleet, a situation described as "fleets within the fleet" occurred where the lack of standardization in Foxhunter radar modifications and upgrades in the Tornado fleet directly resulted in the failure to properly integrate most of the CSP upgrades. As a result, the Foxhunter radar was not compatible with the AIM-120 AMRAAM's mid-course correction feature through datalinked inertial guidance. These problems would be finally ironed out after 2003 during the AMRAAM Optimisation Programme, or AOP, which standardised the Foxhunter upgrades to allow for AIM-120 datalink guidance for multiple targets.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a British jet fighter-interceptor introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] to the top ranks of the tree. It builds on the basis of the previous [[Tornado F.3]] in the tech tree by expanding the avionics suite and its missile selection. By having access to a more advanced radar, and the powerful AIM-120 active-radar homing missile, the Tornado F.3 Late is capable of dispatching enemies at a much safer distance than possible before with the Skyflash. And if you find yourself dangerously close to an enemy, then a radar-slaved AIM-9M will almost always make short work of them if they are manoeuvring around your frontal hemisphere. All in all, the F.3 Late serves as a direct upgrade in offensive capability over the previous Tornado F.3, giving British aircraft players access to new and advanced weaponry on an already familiar platform.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 11,582 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 25: Line 32:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,281 || 2,257 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.7 || 29.5 || 167.3 || 163.3 || rowspan="2" | 800
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 35: Line 42:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Features
+
! colspan="7" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute !! Thrust reversal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Limits
 
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
! Min sweep
 +
| 972 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,166 || 552 || 440 || ~8 || ~3
 +
|-
 +
! Max sweep
 +
| 1,555 || - || - || - || ~9 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
+
| < 670 || < 650 || < 700 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full internal fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.104 || 2
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="3" | 14,659 kg || colspan="3" | 742 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
+
! colspan="5" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 968 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 16,186 kg || 16,463 kg || 17,365 kg || 18,718 kg || 19,749 kg || 21,366 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 3,756 kgf || 7,309 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.90 || 0.89 || 0.84 || 0.78 || 0.74 || 0.68
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 4,169 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 8,173 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.01 || 0.99 || 0.94 || 0.87 || 0.83 || 0.77
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
 +
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tornado_F.3.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1, 2 *|| || || || 1, 2 *
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1, 2 *|| || || || 1, 2 *
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-120B]] missiles
 +
| || || 4 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Skyflash SuperTEMP]] missiles
 +
| || || 4 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! Countermeasures
 +
| 160 * || || || || 160 *
 +
|-
 +
! 330 gal drop tanks
 +
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! 495 gal drop tanks
 +
| || 1 || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="7" | * Countermeasures can be carried with Sidewinder missiles on the same hardpoint
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
* 2 x 330 gal drop tanks
 
* 2 x 330 gal drop tanks
−
* 1 x 495 gal drop tank + 1 x 495 gal drop tank
+
* 2 x 495 gal drop tanks
−
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-120B missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
 
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
−
* 320 x countermeasures + 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
+
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
 
* 4 x Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles
 
* 4 x Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-120B missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-120B missiles
Line 154: Line 196:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
'''Pros:'''
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Chaff/flare pods allow the plane to carry 352 countermeasures, 32 of which are large calibre
−
*
+
* Access to AIM-120B and AIM-9M missiles
 +
* Strong engines and light weight make for high acceleration
 +
* Features an advanced RWR with tracking and launch detection
 +
* 4 datalink channels allow the plane to guide all of its AMRAAMs at once
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Engines are very fuel thirsty
 +
* Cannot equip any ground attack ordnance at all
 +
* Very low turn rate: avoiding missiles at close range, even with countermeasures, is a challenge
 +
* BK27 cannon has a relatively low fire rate compared to other top tier cannons
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
The Tornado F3, a crucial part of the RAF's air defense, underwent significant changes throughout its service, facing structural challenges and essential upgrades. Following the Gulf War, the Tornado F3 experienced accelerated fatigue due to intense combat conditions, which exceeded its initial design expectations. As a result, the airframes began wearing out faster than anticipated. Initially, BAe Systems was contracted to upgrade 15 airframes, but the subsequent batch was awarded to Airwork Services, which performed the upgrades at St Athan.
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
 
 +
Soon after, the first four upgraded Tornado F3s (ZE292, ZE295, ZE343, and ZE728) exhibited structural problems. Pilots reported abnormal behavior, leading to the discovery of significant damage. Further inspections revealed 12 additional damaged airframes. Though scrapping these aircraft was initially considered, an innovative solution emerged: using the center sections of F2 airframes in storage at St Athan. This successful modification, starting with ZE154 and F2 ZD901, allowed the damaged F3s to return to service.
 +
 
 +
On March 24, 1993, a significant milestone was reached when the RAF accepted ZH559, the last Tornado built for the RAF, which remained in service until 2008. The next major upgrade involved fitting the F3 with AMRAAM and ASRAAM missiles under the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) awarded to BAe in 1997. This £125 million program upgraded the missile management system and main computer, providing the F3 with fire-and-forget capability and enhancing its combat effectiveness. Additional upgrades included towed radar decoys and trials with ALARM missiles on 11 Squadron aircraft.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
 
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Tornado (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 183: Line 235:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Panavia}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:40, 7 October 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the British jet fighter Tornado F.3 Late. For other versions, see Tornado (Family).
Tornado F.3 Late
tornado_f3_late.png
GarageImage Tornado F.3 Late.jpg
Tornado F.3 Late
Britain flag.png Britain
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
13.3 13.3 13.3
Class:
Research:410 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 100 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1996, it was more than apparent that the Tornado F.3 was severely outdated by contemporary fighter-interceptor standards, especially when compared to aircraft of the time like the F-22 and Su-27M (later redesignated as the Su-35). As a result, to fulfil the original plan for the Tornado F.3 to serve in the RAF until at least 2010, the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) was announced to upgrade the Tornado F.3 fleet with contemporary electronics, weapons, and various other improvements. These included radar and FCS upgrades to allow the Tornado F.3 to fire the new AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9M missiles, to replace its aging Skyflash and AIM-9L selection. However, due to poor management of previous FCS and radar upgrades to the RAF fleet, a situation described as "fleets within the fleet" occurred where the lack of standardization in Foxhunter radar modifications and upgrades in the Tornado fleet directly resulted in the failure to properly integrate most of the CSP upgrades. As a result, the Foxhunter radar was not compatible with the AIM-120 AMRAAM's mid-course correction feature through datalinked inertial guidance. These problems would be finally ironed out after 2003 during the AMRAAM Optimisation Programme, or AOP, which standardised the Foxhunter upgrades to allow for AIM-120 datalink guidance for multiple targets.

The Tornado F.3 Late is a British jet fighter-interceptor introduced in Update "Seek & Destroy" to the top ranks of the tree. It builds on the basis of the previous Tornado F.3 in the tech tree by expanding the avionics suite and its missile selection. By having access to a more advanced radar, and the powerful AIM-120 active-radar homing missile, the Tornado F.3 Late is capable of dispatching enemies at a much safer distance than possible before with the Skyflash. And if you find yourself dangerously close to an enemy, then a radar-slaved AIM-9M will almost always make short work of them if they are manoeuvring around your frontal hemisphere. All in all, the F.3 Late serves as a direct upgrade in offensive capability over the previous Tornado F.3, giving British aircraft players access to new and advanced weaponry on an already familiar platform.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 11 582 m2 308 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude13 000 m
EngineTurbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.104
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight0 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

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 2,281 2,257 13000 28.7 29.5 167.3 163.3 800
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute Thrust reversal
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
Min sweep 972 0 1,166 552 440 ~8 ~3
Max sweep 1,555 - - - ~9 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 670 < 650 < 700 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full internal fuel)
Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.104 2 14,659 kg 742 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with internal 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 16,186 kg 16,463 kg 17,365 kg 18,718 kg 19,749 kg 21,366 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 3,756 kgf 7,309 kgf 0.90 0.89 0.84 0.78 0.74 0.68
Optimal 4,169 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		8,173 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.01 0.99 0.94 0.87 0.83 0.77

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
AB2 931 → 4 428 Sl icon.png
RB8 459 → 12 781 Sl icon.png
SB9 961 → 15 051 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications317 000 Rp icon.png
485 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 100 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 600 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 350 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 320 / 500 % Sl icon.png
256 / 256 / 256 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
750 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 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
750 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
750 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bk_27_belt_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff BOL
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9M
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 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
750 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
Skyflash SuperTEMP
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
750 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
750 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air type b midrange missile.png
AIM-120B
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
750 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: Mauser BK27 (27 mm)

The Tornado F.3 Late is armed with:

  • 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon, nose-mounted (180 rpg)
  • 32 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Tornado F.3 Late can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints Tornado F.3.png
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1, 2 * 1, 2 *
AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles 1, 2 * 1, 2 *
AIM-120B missiles 4
Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles 4
Countermeasures 160 * 160 *
330 gal drop tanks 1 1
495 gal drop tanks 1 1
* Countermeasures can be carried with Sidewinder missiles on the same hardpoint
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 330 gal drop tanks
  • 2 x 495 gal drop tanks
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-120B missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
  • 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
  • 4 x Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles
  • 4 x AIM-120B missiles

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Chaff/flare pods allow the plane to carry 352 countermeasures, 32 of which are large calibre
  • Access to AIM-120B and AIM-9M missiles
  • Strong engines and light weight make for high acceleration
  • Features an advanced RWR with tracking and launch detection
  • 4 datalink channels allow the plane to guide all of its AMRAAMs at once

Cons:

  • Engines are very fuel thirsty
  • Cannot equip any ground attack ordnance at all
  • Very low turn rate: avoiding missiles at close range, even with countermeasures, is a challenge
  • BK27 cannon has a relatively low fire rate compared to other top tier cannons

History

The Tornado F3, a crucial part of the RAF's air defense, underwent significant changes throughout its service, facing structural challenges and essential upgrades. Following the Gulf War, the Tornado F3 experienced accelerated fatigue due to intense combat conditions, which exceeded its initial design expectations. As a result, the airframes began wearing out faster than anticipated. Initially, BAe Systems was contracted to upgrade 15 airframes, but the subsequent batch was awarded to Airwork Services, which performed the upgrades at St Athan.

Soon after, the first four upgraded Tornado F3s (ZE292, ZE295, ZE343, and ZE728) exhibited structural problems. Pilots reported abnormal behavior, leading to the discovery of significant damage. Further inspections revealed 12 additional damaged airframes. Though scrapping these aircraft was initially considered, an innovative solution emerged: using the center sections of F2 airframes in storage at St Athan. This successful modification, starting with ZE154 and F2 ZD901, allowed the damaged F3s to return to service.

On March 24, 1993, a significant milestone was reached when the RAF accepted ZH559, the last Tornado built for the RAF, which remained in service until 2008. The next major upgrade involved fitting the F3 with AMRAAM and ASRAAM missiles under the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) awarded to BAe in 1997. This £125 million program upgraded the missile management system and main computer, providing the F3 with fire-and-forget capability and enhancing its combat effectiveness. Additional upgrades included towed radar decoys and trials with ALARM missiles on 11 Squadron aircraft.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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)

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
Australia  F-111C
India  ▄MiG-21 Bison
South Africa  ▄JAS39C

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