The story
The Tornado was Europe's Cold War heavy hitter — a swing-wing strike jet built jointly by Britain, Germany, and Italy to go very low and very fast in very bad weather. German and Italian Tornados still fly operationally, so catching one is a genuine event.
Its wings sweep from 25 to 67 degrees in flight — spread for landing, swept back like a dart for high-speed dashes.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Tornado?
Swing wings, shoulder-mounted intakes, and a tall single tail. If the wings look different in every photo, that's the Tornado.
What does a Tornado sound like?
Two RB199s in afterburner — a ripping, crackling roar, usually at very low level.
How fast is the Tornado?
Top speed is Mach 2.2.
How many people does the Tornado carry?
Typical configuration: 2-seat strike/attack.
How far can the Tornado fly?
Range is about 850 nmi combat radius (hi-lo-hi).
How big is the Tornado?
It is 54 ft 10 in long and 45 ft 8 in (spread) / 28 ft 3 in (swept) across the wings.
When did the Tornado first fly?
Its first flight was in 1974.
How many Tornados have been built?
990 built.
What do crews call the Tornado?
The Tonka.
How rare is a Tornado in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Tornado catch is worth 250 points.
