F.3 Tornado ADV
by Staff EditorDuring the Cold War, Great Britain was faced with the challenge of defending a large area of NATO's northern and western skies over the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, and developed a derivative of the Tornado IDS for use in the air defense and air superiority roles. The ADV model includes avionics and a weapons package tailored to its fighter mission. The Tornado ADV has an information distribution system that operates in conjunction with airborne early warning aircraft and other allied fighters providing an unprecedented picture of the air battle. The Tornado ADV serves in the Royal Saudi Air Force alongside their F-15 Eagles and the Italians have leased several ADV aircraft from the UK to fill an interim role until the Typhoon enters service.
F.3 Tornado ADV Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Panavia |
| First Flight: | 10/1979 |
| Wingspan: | 45.6 ft. (13.9 m) full forward; 28.2 ft. (8.6 m) full aft |
| Height: | 19.5 ft. (5.95 m) |
| Length: | 61.3 ft. (18.68 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 61,700 lb. (27,986 kg) |
| Thrust: | 16,410 lb. (73 kN) |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 1.94 |
| Ceiling: | 50,000+ ft. (15,240+ m) |
| Range: | 391 nm (725 km) |
| Crew: | Two |
