Airbus celebrates 50 years of Tornado

This year marks 50 years since the Panavia Tornado prototype first flew. To commemorate the Tornado's anniversary, the Luftwaffe aircraft was given a special color scheme.

Airbus Defense has revealed the fighter jet Social media. “The lust of the eye. The Luftwaffe and Airbus have launched a special aircraft for a special occasion in Manching: our Tornado, with a special “50 Years First Flight” logo. The aircraft will be displayed this year at ILA Berlin, a major German trade show and air show.

Of the 360 ​​Tornado fighter jets delivered to Germany in the early 1980s, 88 are still in service. It will be taken out of service between 2025 and 2030. 68 of the combat aircraft currently in service will be replaced by the F-35. The first new aircraft is expected to arrive in Germany in 2027. On the other hand, Eurofighters are likely to take over the duties of the other 20 aircraft.

project

Hurricane began as a joint project between Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. At the end of the 1960s, many European countries felt the need for a multi-functional fighter aircraft. The Netherlands, Belgium and Canada were also initially part of the partnership, but withdrew due to other design needs. After identifying wants and needs, the three countries eventually came together on the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft 75 (MRCA75) project. The prototype made its first flight on August 15, 1974. Three years later, the project was named “Tornado”.

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