Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33601
Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 Diecast Model
RAF No.45 Sqn TWCU, RAF Honnington, England, 1990 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 | | 9.25" | | 7.75" |
The Tornado is produced by a European consortium called Panavia, comprising three international companies in Germany (Messerchmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH), Italy (Aeritalia) and the U.K. (British Aerospace) and is a multi-role combat aircraft. The type was designed and developed in co-operation for the armed forces of those countries. The aircraft incorporates variable-geometry wings able to sweep through 43 degrees which, in conjunction with the two Turbo Union advanced turbofan engines and highly-sophisticated avionics, make it possible for the Tornado to achieve all-weather penetration of enemy airspace. The prototype first flew from Manching, Germany on 14th August, 1974 and then the RAF ordered 385 Tornadoes, of which 220 were GR.1 interdictor/strike aircraft and 165 air-defence F.Mk.2 & 3 variants. The first RAF Tornadoes were delivered in 1981 to the Tri-national Tornado Training Unit at Cottesmore, Rutland, then to the Tactical Weapons Conversion Unit at Honington, Suffolk. On 1st December 1983, this was reorganised and adopted No.45 as a 'shadow' unit, whose flying camel insignia appears on the nose. During the 1990-91 seasons, 45 Squadron was selected as the official RAF unit to demonstrate the Tornado at air shows and the smart red/white/blue tail flash was applied to two aircraft for this purpose, as depicted on the model.
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. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Tornados feature the distinctively large tail fin that gives the real aircraft its nickname, "The Fin". The models also incorporates an articulating swing-wing design that can be configured in varying sweep positions, movable elevators that rotate in unison, and simulated stainless-steel heat shielding around the detailed engine exhaust. The wing mounted fuel tanks and ordnance can be positioned to fit any swept-wing configuration, and the repositionable canopy opens to reveal pilot figures and cockpit detail, including the distinctive embedded cordite charge used to shatter the canopy during the ejection sequence. The mold itself is exceptionally rich in detail, with every access panel and antenna faithfully reproduced. Pad-printed unit markings and placards provide the finishing touches.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
