Difference between revisions of "Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Media: Added skins)
(Offensive armament)
(16 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== 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}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
+
The Panavia Tornado is a two-seat, twin-engine, swing-wing, multi-role combat aircraft built jointly by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This version is the Tornado Interdiction/Strike or IDS, and was intended as a low-flying fighter bomber armed with precision weapons.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]] this Italian Tornado is similar to other Tornados in other nations, only really differing in the skin, markings and targeting pod. The Tornado can be an effective air support provider, mainly thanks to having access to a wide array of armaments which include guided and unguided bombs. However, it does lack somewhat in the air-to-air department.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
{| 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 10,972 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 30: Line 31:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,993 || 1,989 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs | ceiling}} || 31.4 || 31.5 || 154.1 || 151.8 || rowspan="2" | 800
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,038 || 2,005 || 30.6 || 31.0 || 203.3 || 177.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 44: Line 45:
 
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || || || || || 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)
Line 59: Line 59:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
! Min sweep
 +
| 972 || rowspan="2" | 520 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|gear}} --> || 972 || 552 || 440 || ~__ || ~__
 +
|-
 +
! Max sweep
 +
| 1,555 || - || - || - || ~__ || ~__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 69: Line 73:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
|< 670||< 650||< 700||N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 77: Line 81:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 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 fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103 || 2
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="3" | 14,299 kg || colspan="3" | ___ 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 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
+
| 15,826 kg || 16,113 kg || 17,019 kg || 18,379 kg || 19,389 kg || 25,900 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'' || 3,777 kgf || 7,293 kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.92 || 0.91 || 0.86 || 0.79 || 0.75 || 0.56
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 4,192 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 8,155 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.03 || 1.01 || 0.96 || 0.89 || 0.84 || 0.63
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 111: Line 115:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
''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.''
+
The Tornado has no armour to speak of and is relatively large, making it an easy target for enemy guns. Almost any hit to the center part of the Tornado will leave its speed crippled, while any hit to the wings and tail will most likely cripple flight performance, if not disabling the aircraft outright. Although it could in theory make its way back to base even with only one engine, any enemy attention during this timespan will most likely get you sent back to the hangar. It also has 2 pilots, which means that you can continue flying in the unlikely case that only 1 pilot is knocked out.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 134: Line 138:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannons, chin-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)#
+
* 2 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannons, chin-mounted (180 rpg = 360 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 146: Line 150:
 
* 56 x large calibre countermeasures
 
* 56 x large calibre countermeasures
 
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total)
 
* 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)
 
* 12 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (12,000 lb total)
Line 183: Line 188:
 
== 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).'' -->
''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).''
+
There are multiple ways to use the Tornado in ARB, one tactic is to stick to the team and try and give support with your AIM-9Ls on your way to the enemy bases and/or ground targets. This gives you the advantage of team cover and a bit of safety, although you will undoubtedly be in the midst of battle once enemy interceptors and fighters reach your team. The other tactic would be to go full throttle directly to the enemy bases while keeping extremely low to the ground to decrease your chances of being spotted visually or by radar. While this leaves you mostly alone and isolated from the possible support of your team, you will be able to take a more direct route to your main target, meaning you'll be able to evade any slower or unsuspecting enemies. Taking an active role in air-to-air combat is not advised, as the Tornado's flight performance is not suited to it and you'll most likely be shot down very quickly. So keep in mind that although the Tornado is fast, its not very manoeuvrable at high speed so try to avoid faster enemies such as the [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]] or the [[F-14A Early|F-14]]. In the case of 1-to-1 confrontation the best option is to simply hope you are faster and run away, against capable fighters like the MiG-23, F-16, MiG-29, Viggen, F-14, and Mirage 2000 you don't stand a chance, unless the enemy pilot is extremely inexperienced. With countermeasures you are able to survive for longer if you can time their use and can dodge without losing too much of your speed. In GRB you can easily pick off enemy SPAA once you have unlocked your laser guided bombs, so try to fly as high as possibile. If you only have dumb bombs you're going to need to stick to the ground as much as possibile to avoid enemy AA, you can't linger too much on the battlefield or else the enemy team will begin to prioratise you as a target. You also need to be very weary of what type of enemy air has been spawned in, if you focus too much on ground vehicles you become easy pickings for any enemy aircraft which can take advantage of you not realising they're there. In conclusion, play a reserved role and only engage when you think its clear.
  
 
=== 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:'''
  
*
+
* Variable sweep wing and good controllability in landing and takeoff
 +
* Large payload of almost 3 tons in effective TNT with dumb bombs
 +
* Has a good amount of GBU-16 and GBU-24 laser guided bombs, very effective in close air support and reliable against advanced enemy SPAAs
 +
* Supersonic
 +
* As it has the same targeting pod of the Mirage 2000D, the quality of thermal view and zoom is significantly better than the targeting pod of ASSTA1 and Gr 1, being easier to spot enemy tanks
 +
* Very effective and advanced in simulator battles in any close air support or bombing scenario, thanks to the excellent HUD, complete Ballistic Computer and great cockpit
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
*
+
* Terrible in air-to-air combat, heavy airframe, big and slow vs any contemporaries and also only having 2 AIM-9Ls for self defence
 +
* High fuel consumption
 +
* Bombs severely limit its maximum speed to about Mach 1.05
 +
* No search radar
 +
* The wing rips pretty easily under any high G stress and with a combat load, and mainly in manual wing sweep control
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''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 Panavia Tornado was born out of a joint effort by Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom during the late cold war in the 1970's. The Tornado would be designed as a twin-engined, variable-swept wing aircraft with a two-person crew an internal gun and provisions for a wide array of armament which included guided/unguided bombs, mine launchers, rockets, air to air missiles and air to ground missiles. The aircraft was also armed with 2 German made 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon which was able to make short work of pretty much any aircraft it had in its sights, with the right munition it was also capable of taking out lightly armoured vehicles such as the BMP-1. The Panavia Tornado was primarily made to undertake missions which included tactical strike, reconnaissance, air defence and maritime patrol. What they aimed when making the design was an aircraft which could be very multi-role, ot would allow the Panavia Tornado to replace several different types of aircraft which were at the time in service with the respected countries. The main variants which were designed included the IDS which was mainly a strike-fighter, the ADV which was the Air Defence Variant and lastly the ECR, which was mainly created to carry out recon and SEAD missions. In terms speed the Tornado could go up to 2400km per hour, its engine being known as the Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103. After several proposals and design changes, the first prototype of the Panavia Tornado would fly on the 14th of August, 1974. The prototype would further solidify the partnership as when it was being demonstrated, a lot of positive comments would be made. Thus development would continue smoothly with the first aircraft being officially delivered to the RAF (Royal Air Force) and the German Air Force on 5 and 6 June 1979 respectively.
 +
 
 +
Italy on the other hand would get their hands on the Panavia Tornado a couple years later on the 25th September, 1981. It wouldn't take long before it would actually begin to face actual combat missions, although it wouldn't be facing any Warsaw Pact enemies as previously envisioned. Its first combat missions would happen during the second Gulf War by the British, Italian and Saudi Arabian air forces. This would be later followed by missions in the Yugoslavian and Kosovo wars. In terms of service within the Italian air force, Italian Tornados would be the first aircraft that Italy actually fully used in full scale combat since the end of WW2.
 +
 
 +
Their more famous usage would be during Operazione Locusta, and would also be the first time since the end of WW2 that an Italian Air Force fighter would be shot down. During Operazione Locusta (the code name given to the contribution of the Italian Air Force during the Gulf War) Italian Tornados would be sent to Kuwait in 1990 by the Italian Government. In total 8 Panavia Tornados in the IDS variant would be sent. These Tornados would be from the 6º, 36º and 50º Stormo, their mission was to fly into Iraq from Kuwait and drop bombs unto Iraqi controlled territory. The Tornado squadron would form the <nowiki>''</nowiki>Autonomous Flight Department of the Italian Air Force in the Arabian Peninsula<nowiki>''</nowiki>. During the time they were deployed the Italian airforce would rack up to 589 flight hours and would complete 226 sorties into Iraqi airspace in just 42 days of war. After the war they'd return to Italy and be used in other conflicts, the Italian air force Tornados are still in service as of 2023, mainly thanks to several different extensive upgrade programs which extended the life of those aircraft up to 2035, where they will likely be replaced by the F-35.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 205: Line 222:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=tornado_ids_it_mod95 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=tornado_ids_it_mod95 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
Line 213: Line 231:
  
 
;[[Tornado (Family)|Related development]]
 
;[[Tornado (Family)|Related development]]
 +
 
* [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)]]
 
* [[Tornado IDS ASSTA1 (Germany)]]
 
* [[Tornado GR.1]]
 
* [[Tornado GR.1]]
 +
* [[Tornado IDS (Germany)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 222: Line 242:
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/485805-panavia-tornado/
* ''other literature.''
+
* https://www.aircraftrecognitionguide.com/panavia-tornado
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Panavia}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Panavia}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 21:39, 28 May 2023

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
This page is about the strike aircraft Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy). For other versions, see Tornado (Family).
▄Tornado IDS (1995)
tornado_ids_it_mod95.png
GarageImage Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy).jpg
▄Tornado IDS (1995)
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Panavia Tornado is a two-seat, twin-engine, swing-wing, multi-role combat aircraft built jointly by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This version is the Tornado Interdiction/Strike or IDS, and was intended as a low-flying fighter bomber armed with precision weapons.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators" this Italian Tornado is similar to other Tornados in other nations, only really differing in the skin, markings and targeting pod. The Tornado can be an effective air support provider, mainly thanks to having access to a wide array of armaments which include guided and unguided bombs. However, it does lack somewhat in the air-to-air department.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 10 972 m2 005 km/h
Turn time31 s
Max altitude12 800 m
EngineTurbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight0 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 10,972 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,993 1,989 12800 31.4 31.5 154.1 151.8 800
Upgraded 2,038 2,005 30.6 31.0 203.3 177.0

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 972 520 972 552 440 ~__ ~__
Max sweep 1,555 - - - ~__ ~__
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 14,299 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 15,826 kg 16,113 kg 17,019 kg 18,379 kg 19,389 kg 25,900 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 0.92 0.91 0.86 0.79 0.75 0.56
Optimal 4,192 kgf
(1,400 km/h)
8,155 kgf
(1,400 km/h)
1.03 1.01 0.96 0.89 0.84 0.63

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

The Tornado has no armour to speak of and is relatively large, making it an easy target for enemy guns. Almost any hit to the center part of the Tornado will leave its speed crippled, while any hit to the wings and tail will most likely cripple flight performance, if not disabling the aircraft outright. Although it could in theory make its way back to base even with only one engine, any enemy attention during this timespan will most likely get you sent back to the hangar. It also has 2 pilots, which means that you can continue flying in the unlikely case that only 1 pilot is knocked out.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 914 → 4 403 Sl icon.png
RB7 369 → 11 134 Sl icon.png
SB10 447 → 15 785 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications303 000 Rp icon.png
463 000 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 / 340 / 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
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bk_27_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
CLDP
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bk_27_new_gun
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods laser guided bomb.png
GBU-16
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png
Mods laser guided bomb.png
GBU-24
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: Mauser BK27 (27 mm)

The Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The Tornado IDS (1995) (Italy) can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

  • 2 x 1,500 l drop tanks
  • 56 x large calibre countermeasures
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 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 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bomb (2,000 lb total)

Custom loadout options

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
1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs 1 1* 1 1
2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs 1*
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Large calibre countermeasures 28 28
CLDP 1
1,500 l drop tanks 1 1
* Guided bombs on hardpoint 4 cannot be equipped with 1,000 lb bombs on hardpoints 5-6
CLDP targeting pod must be equipped when using guided bombs
Bombs on hardpoint 6 cannot be equipped with dual bomb mounts on hardpoints 4-8 or GBU-24 on hardpoint 4

Usage in battles

There are multiple ways to use the Tornado in ARB, one tactic is to stick to the team and try and give support with your AIM-9Ls on your way to the enemy bases and/or ground targets. This gives you the advantage of team cover and a bit of safety, although you will undoubtedly be in the midst of battle once enemy interceptors and fighters reach your team. The other tactic would be to go full throttle directly to the enemy bases while keeping extremely low to the ground to decrease your chances of being spotted visually or by radar. While this leaves you mostly alone and isolated from the possible support of your team, you will be able to take a more direct route to your main target, meaning you'll be able to evade any slower or unsuspecting enemies. Taking an active role in air-to-air combat is not advised, as the Tornado's flight performance is not suited to it and you'll most likely be shot down very quickly. So keep in mind that although the Tornado is fast, its not very manoeuvrable at high speed so try to avoid faster enemies such as the F-16 or the F-14. In the case of 1-to-1 confrontation the best option is to simply hope you are faster and run away, against capable fighters like the MiG-23, F-16, MiG-29, Viggen, F-14, and Mirage 2000 you don't stand a chance, unless the enemy pilot is extremely inexperienced. With countermeasures you are able to survive for longer if you can time their use and can dodge without losing too much of your speed. In GRB you can easily pick off enemy SPAA once you have unlocked your laser guided bombs, so try to fly as high as possibile. If you only have dumb bombs you're going to need to stick to the ground as much as possibile to avoid enemy AA, you can't linger too much on the battlefield or else the enemy team will begin to prioratise you as a target. You also need to be very weary of what type of enemy air has been spawned in, if you focus too much on ground vehicles you become easy pickings for any enemy aircraft which can take advantage of you not realising they're there. In conclusion, play a reserved role and only engage when you think its clear.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Variable sweep wing and good controllability in landing and takeoff
  • Large payload of almost 3 tons in effective TNT with dumb bombs
  • Has a good amount of GBU-16 and GBU-24 laser guided bombs, very effective in close air support and reliable against advanced enemy SPAAs
  • Supersonic
  • As it has the same targeting pod of the Mirage 2000D, the quality of thermal view and zoom is significantly better than the targeting pod of ASSTA1 and Gr 1, being easier to spot enemy tanks
  • Very effective and advanced in simulator battles in any close air support or bombing scenario, thanks to the excellent HUD, complete Ballistic Computer and great cockpit

Cons:

  • Terrible in air-to-air combat, heavy airframe, big and slow vs any contemporaries and also only having 2 AIM-9Ls for self defence
  • High fuel consumption
  • Bombs severely limit its maximum speed to about Mach 1.05
  • No search radar
  • The wing rips pretty easily under any high G stress and with a combat load, and mainly in manual wing sweep control

History

The Panavia Tornado was born out of a joint effort by Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom during the late cold war in the 1970's. The Tornado would be designed as a twin-engined, variable-swept wing aircraft with a two-person crew an internal gun and provisions for a wide array of armament which included guided/unguided bombs, mine launchers, rockets, air to air missiles and air to ground missiles. The aircraft was also armed with 2 German made 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon which was able to make short work of pretty much any aircraft it had in its sights, with the right munition it was also capable of taking out lightly armoured vehicles such as the BMP-1. The Panavia Tornado was primarily made to undertake missions which included tactical strike, reconnaissance, air defence and maritime patrol. What they aimed when making the design was an aircraft which could be very multi-role, ot would allow the Panavia Tornado to replace several different types of aircraft which were at the time in service with the respected countries. The main variants which were designed included the IDS which was mainly a strike-fighter, the ADV which was the Air Defence Variant and lastly the ECR, which was mainly created to carry out recon and SEAD missions. In terms speed the Tornado could go up to 2400km per hour, its engine being known as the Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103. After several proposals and design changes, the first prototype of the Panavia Tornado would fly on the 14th of August, 1974. The prototype would further solidify the partnership as when it was being demonstrated, a lot of positive comments would be made. Thus development would continue smoothly with the first aircraft being officially delivered to the RAF (Royal Air Force) and the German Air Force on 5 and 6 June 1979 respectively.

Italy on the other hand would get their hands on the Panavia Tornado a couple years later on the 25th September, 1981. It wouldn't take long before it would actually begin to face actual combat missions, although it wouldn't be facing any Warsaw Pact enemies as previously envisioned. Its first combat missions would happen during the second Gulf War by the British, Italian and Saudi Arabian air forces. This would be later followed by missions in the Yugoslavian and Kosovo wars. In terms of service within the Italian air force, Italian Tornados would be the first aircraft that Italy actually fully used in full scale combat since the end of WW2.

Their more famous usage would be during Operazione Locusta, and would also be the first time since the end of WW2 that an Italian Air Force fighter would be shot down. During Operazione Locusta (the code name given to the contribution of the Italian Air Force during the Gulf War) Italian Tornados would be sent to Kuwait in 1990 by the Italian Government. In total 8 Panavia Tornados in the IDS variant would be sent. These Tornados would be from the 6º, 36º and 50º Stormo, their mission was to fly into Iraq from Kuwait and drop bombs unto Iraqi controlled territory. The Tornado squadron would form the ''Autonomous Flight Department of the Italian Air Force in the Arabian Peninsula''. During the time they were deployed the Italian airforce would rack up to 589 flight hours and would complete 226 sorties into Iraqi airspace in just 42 days of war. After the war they'd return to Italy and be used in other conflicts, the Italian air force Tornados are still in service as of 2023, mainly thanks to several different extensive upgrade programs which extended the life of those aircraft up to 2035, where they will likely be replaced by the F-35.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:


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

Italy jet aircraft
Aefer  Sagittario 2 · Ariete
Fiat  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 R/4 (Portugal) · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
AMX International  AMX
Panavia  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)
  Foreign:
Vampire  Vampire FB 52A
F-84  ▄F-84F · ▄F-84G-21-RE
F-86  CL-13 Mk.4 · ▄F-86K
F-104  ▄F-104G · F-104S · ▄F-104S TAF (Turkey) · F-104S.ASA
F-16  ▄F-16A ADF
AV-8  ▄AV-8B Plus
Hungary 
Mikoyan-Gurevich  ◔MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-17PF · ◔MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◔MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-29
Ilyushin  ◔IL-28
Sukhoi  ◔Su-22M3
Saab  ◔JAS39EBS HU C