Tornado - IDS from the Franklin Mint

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.