Probably the most important combat aircraft in Western Europe, the Tornado was the outcome of a multinational collaborative program embracing design and development as well as manufacture. Panavia Aircraft GmbH was formed by British Aerospace, MBB (of Germany), and Aeritalia (of Italy) and has had great success both in management and hardware. The Tornado is the world's best all-weather long-range low-level interdiction aircraft. No other aircraft combines two small and fuel-efficient engines, a modern low-drag tandem cockpit, swing-wings for efficient subsonic loiter and treetop-height dash at over 900 mph, and the ability to carry every tactical weapon in the NATO arsenal. Features include a multimode terrain-following radar (TFR), and electrically signaled fly-by-wire flight controls with artificial stability. It is a small aircraft and boasts an incredibly low gust response, ensuring a smooth ride at low altitudes. In service since 1982.
