Hobby Master 1/72 Tornado IDS: German Navy

The first unit of the Bundeswehr to receive the new Tornado was MFG-1 (Naval Aviation Group 1) that was formed in 1959. In the summer of 1977 the first Tornado arrived for testing but it wasn't until July 2, 1982 before the MFG-1 received their first aircraft. A total of 57 Tornados equipped MFG-1 but they encountered several staffing and spare parts problems. Because of these problems all the other Bundeswehr squadrons used these to learn from and avoid. Tornado IDS 43+44 c/n 121/GT025/4044 was written off on September 24, 1999.

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.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.