Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33603
Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 Diecast Model
RAE Flight Systems, RAE Bedford, England, 1989
Limited Edition | 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
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| Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 | | 9.25" | | 7.75" |
Operated by the Flight Systems Division of the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford, ZA326 is the sole Tornado to be painted in the colourful 'raspberry ripple' livery. The aircraft had its rear end damaged in a production line fire at Warton and was deferred from entering squadron service. After a rebuild, it entered service with the RAE in 1983. Its work has included laser terrain-following trials and this aircraft joined the Defence Research Agency fleet al Boscombe Down, when its Bedford base closed in 1989. Today it still flies on various trials as part of the civilian-operated QinetiQ fleet from Boscombe Down, Wiltshire.
Designed in collaboration with Britain, West Germany and Italy, the Tornado was first flown on August 14th, 1974. There are three primary versions of the Tornado; the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike) fighter-bomber, the suppression of enemy air defenses Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/ Reconnaissance) and the Tornado ADV (Air Defense Variant) interceptor. The strike fighter version developed into a highly-versatile platform with an accurate weapons system, able to carry most all air-launched weapons in the NATO inventory. The Tornado is one of the world's most sophisticated attack aircraft, equipped with terrain following radar which allows for all weather hands off low level flight. Nicknamed the “Flying Fin” a notable feature of this jet is the massive tail fin. With its variable wing sweep design, the Tornado is capable of taking off and landing on short strips and operates efficiently at both high and low speeds. This aircraft has been labeled the most important military aircraft in Western Europe.© Copyright 2003-2009 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 ordinances 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 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Optional 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 pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2009 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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