The multi-role Panavia Tornado is a twin-engined two seat supersonic combat jet capable of fulfilling six major requirements; these are (a)close air combat (b) counter air strike (c) air superiority (d) air defence , (e) maritime strike (f) recconaissance . The IDS version was the first to enter service in 1979 with the Royal Air Force (as Tornado GR.1) ,German Air Force and Navy and the Italian Air Force. By 1990, the RAF had nine operational Squadrons of GR.1`s and two squadrons of the recconaissance GR.1A`s ,ak large number of these Tornados providing the backbone of the RAF contribution to Operation '' Desert Storm '' in early 1991. The GR4/4A is the RAF`s latest modified version of the orginal GR1/1A. The aircraft has undergone a Mid Life Updat (MLU) with enhanced avionics an a new Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) system. This is housed in a new fairing located under the front port side of the fuselage and has required the removal of one of the 27mm cannon. with a max. weapon load of 8.165kg the Tornado GR4/4A has built-in armament comprising one 27mm cannon in the nose.

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