Panavia Tornado IDS – 46+20, MFG 2, Marineflieger, Eggebeck AB, Germany, 1990s

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA6706: Panavia Tornado IDS 46+20 of MFG 2, Marineflieger, Eggebeck AB, Germany, 1990s. With Shrike anti-radar missile load. Production run of 900 models.

Length 9.25 inches Wingspan 7.75 inches

The Marineflieger received 122 Tornado IDS to replace the F-104 for anti-shipping and reconnaissance. Marineflieger MFG 2 operated from Eggebek between 1986 and 2005 when it was disbanded and all aircraft and duties were ceded to the Luftwaffe. For reconnaissance missions a pod with panoramic optical cameras and an IR line scan were attached to the fuselage centre-line. Starting in 1993 MFG 2 was comprised of 3 squadrons, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The first two were operational squadrons while the 3rd looked after training pilots and WSOs.

Designed in collaboration with Britain, West Germany and Italy, the Tornado was first flown on August 14th, 1974 and is thought by many to be the most important military aircraft in Western European history. Nicknamed “The Flying Fin” because of its large tail fin, the Tornado has a variable wing sweep design and is capable of taking off and landing on short airstrips. It is equipped with terrain-following radar, which allows for hands-off, low-level flight in any weather. There are three primary versions: an electronic combat/reconnaissance version, an interceptor and a highly versatile strike fighter-bomber capable of carrying almost all of NATO’s air-launched weapons.