COBI Building Set AF Panavia Tornado GR.1 (COBI-5852)

British fighter-bomber Panavia Tornado GR.1 | COBI 5852 | Armed Forces 1:48

Building set of the supersonic fighter-bomber Panavia Tornado GR.1, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The model is crafted in the typical grey-green camouflage of the RAF and features variable wing geometry, movable elevators, and an opening cockpit canopy for placing two pilot figures. Under the wings and fuselage, there are fuel tanks, missiles, and bombs. The model can stand on a detachable undercarriage or on a stand with a description, which is included in the package.

Technical data of the building set

» Version (series): 11/2023
» Scale: 1:48
» Number of figures: 2 pcs
» Dimensions after assembly: 28 × 36 × 13 cm
» Number of blocks: 520 pcs
» Package weight: 710 g
» Recommended age: 8+
» Blocks can be combined with another well-known brand: Yes
» Material: Plastic

The first flight of the Panavia Tornado GR.1 took place on August 14, 1974 and it entered service between 1979 and 1980. Thanks to its multi-role design, it was able to replace several types of aircraft at once. The variable wing geometry allowed it to optimize the angle of attack according to flight speed, making it efficient at both low and high speeds.

Tornados played a significant role in the Gulf War in 1991, where they attacked Iraqi bases and destroyed air defenses. In addition, they were deployed in conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria.

The aircraft's armament included ALARM anti-radar missiles, Paveway laser-guided bombs, and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles. A total of 992 units were produced in various versions.

Technical specifications

» Dimensions: wingspan from 8.6 m to 13.91 m, length 16.72 m, height 5.7 m
» Empty aircraft weight: 13,890 kg
» Maximum takeoff weight: 27,951 kg
» Powerplant: 2× Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103 (thrust 38.48 kN each, 71.5 kN with afterburner)
» Maximum speed: 2,336 km/h
» Range: 3,900 km
» Climb rate: 76.7 m/s
» Armament: 2× Mauser BK-27 cannon caliber 27 mm and 7 external weapon hardpoints for missiles, bombs, and fuel tanks
» Crew: 2 (pilot and weapon systems operator)

Air Force magazine editor John Nichol on the Panavia Tornado aircraft:

Tornado is the most useful and versatile aircraft in the world. Its strong protection, ability to penetrate any defense, and low-level flight capability with automatic terrain following are unmatched.