Tornado GR.4A, ZA372 'E' and '006', of II( AC) Squadron, carrying a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, AIM-9L Sidewinder missile under the wing and a RAPTOR pod on a fuselage station.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4, ZA412 '017', of XV (Reserve) Squadron, carrying a BOZ-107 chaff and flare pod, 1,500 lit drop tank and AIM-9L Sidewinder.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4, ZG750 '128', 31 Squadron, fitted with a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, AIM-9L Sidewinder and nine Brimstones.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4, ZA551 '043', 9 Squadron, with a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, ALARM under the port wing and a Paveway II LGB under the fuselage.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4, ZG775 '134' of 12 Squadron, carrying a BOZ-107 chaff and flare pod, 2,250 lit drop tank and AIM-9L Sidewinder under the wing plus a Paveway III LGB under the aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

ZA611 of 41 (Reserve) Squadron, carrying a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit fuel tank, ALARM and nine Brimstones.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

ZA365 '001', 617 Squadron, with a BOZ-107 chaff and flare pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, AIM-9L Sidewinder and a Storm Shadow on the centreline.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4A, ZG707 '119' in the markings of XIII Squadron, fitted with a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, AIM-9L Sidewinder as well as a TIALD pod and a single Paveway II.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4, ZD720 '086', 14 Squadron, carrying a Sky Shadow electronic countermeasures pod, 2,250 lit drop tank, ASRAAM, Litening III pod and two Paveway IVs.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

The Panavia Tornado GR.4, and is represented here by a II(AC) Sqn aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Designed primarily as a ground attack aircraft, the Tornado GR.4 is increasingly being used for reconnaissance. One of the main sensors assigned to the type is the RAPTOR pod, which is shown being carried by this XIII Squadron aircraft. Despite being used in the 2003 Iraq War, a number of problems have delayed it being declared operational.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Ground attack Tornados were originally designed to mainly operate at low-level, as illustrated here, as this was deemed the safest environment in which the aircraft would be able to penetrate Warsaw Pact defences. Although most flying in theatre is done at medium level, crews still have to train for all eventualities, so continue to practise low-flying.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

Tornado GR.4 and 4As were heavily involved in Operation Telic in 2003 flying sorties against targets in Iraq. The pilot of this GR.4A is receiving assistance strapping in prior to going on a mission carrying an LGB and a TIALD pod.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

To celebrate 25 years of RAF Tornado GR operations this IX(B) Squadron aircraft received this special scheme last year. On the nose are the badges of all the units to have flown the type. The ALARMS being carried under the fuselage and port wing are used for suppression of enemy air defences.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974

The Tornado can sweep its wings back to 67° for high-speed flight as illustrated by these two aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Panavia Tornado IDS (GR) - InternationalInternational - 1974