What Is The Panavia Tornado?
The Panavia Tornado. Variable-geometry twin-engine strike aircraft built for high-speed all-weather low-level penetration.
UK / Germany / Italy
Origin
Strike
Role
Mach 2.2
Top speed
15,240 m
Service ceiling
Panavia Tornado Specifications
The Panavia Tornado is a variable-sweep wing twin-engine strike fighter, built by a European consortium. It’s powered by dual Turbo-Union RB199 turbofans, achieving Mach 2.2 at altitude, featuring an automatic terrain-following radar for high-speed low-level strategic penetration missions.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.2 (1,490 mph)
Service ceiling
50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Combat radius
750 nmi (1,390 km)
Rate of climb
15,000 ft/min (76 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
2 (Pilot, WSO)
Length
54 ft 10 in (16.72 m)
Wingspan
45 ft 7 in (13.91 m) spread/28 ft 2 in (8.60 m) swept
Empty weight
30,624 lbs (13,890 kg)
Engine
2x Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk 103 afterburning turbofans
Service
First flight
14 August 1974
Unit cost
$38 - $50 million
Operators
United Kingdom (Retired), Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia
What Weapons Does The Panavia Tornado Carry?
The Panavia Tornado is fitted with twin 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannons and seven hardpoints carrying 19,800 lbs of payload, including MW-1 bomblet dispensers, Brimstone anti-tank missiles, and Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
Mauser BK-27
Category
27 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (180 rounds each)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
Storm Shadow
Category
Stand-Off Cruise Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
560 km (348 miles)
ALARM
Category
Anti-Radiation Missile
Loadout
Up to 9 missiles
Range
93 km (58 miles)
Brimstone
Category
Anti-Armour Missile
Loadout
Up to 12 missiles
Range
60 km (37 miles)
Paveway IV
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb
Loadout
Up to 5 bombs
Range
Gravity released
JP233
Category
Runway Denial Weapon
Loadout
Up to 2 dispensers
Range
Direct overflight
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Panavia Tornado?
The Tornado reaches Mach 2.2, around 1,490 mph, at altitude with wings fully swept, and Mach 0.9 at just 200 feet above the ground. Low-level penetration was the design case: its terrain-following radar allowed automatic flight at very low height in darkness and poor weather, which was how NATO planned to attack Warsaw Pact targets.
How Was The Panavia Tornado Developed?
The Multi-Role Combat Aircraft programme began in 1968 with Britain, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada, though only the first three saw it through. Panavia was formed to manage development. The prototype flew on 14 August 1974. Nearly 1,000 were built across three main variants.
Has The Panavia Tornado Seen Combat?
The Tornado flew low-level airfield attacks in the 1991 Gulf War using JP233 runway denial weapons, suffering several losses. It has since served over Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria, and Saudi Tornados have operated over Yemen.
Who Operates The Panavia Tornado?
Britain retired the Tornado in 2019 and Germany and Italy continue to operate the type, with Germany planning replacement in the 2030s. Saudi Arabia remains an operator of the IDS variant.
Panavia Tornado FAQs
Common questions about the Panavia Tornado, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Panavia Tornado as a civilian?
No, the Panavia Tornado is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Panavia Tornado?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Panavia Tornado, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Panavia Tornado cost?
The Panavia Tornado is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the Panavia Tornado?
The Panavia Tornado is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Panavia Tornado?
The Panavia Tornado is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Panavia Tornado?
The Panavia Tornado is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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