Hobby Master 1/72 HA6710 Tornado IDS Exercise Saudi Sword 2007

The Panavia Tornado was a joint effort between the UK, West Germany and Italy to produce a two-seat, dual-engine aircraft with variable-sweep wings. The Tornado took its maiden flight on August 14, 1974 with the first aircraft being delivered to the German Air Force on July 27, 1979. There are three main variants of the Tornado, the IDS (interdictor/strike), ECR (electronic combat/reconnaissance) and ADV (air defense variant) interceptor. By the end of production in 1998 there had been 992 aircraft of all versions built of which 745 were IDS variants.

Normally the Royal Saudi Air Force remains within their own territory but because of their relationship with the UK and the RAF they decided to fly there and do combined exercises with the Brits. Exposure to other force’s tactics and logistics can prove to be of great benefit to the Saudis. “Exercise Saudi Sword 2007” took place at RAF Lossiemouth between August 27 – September 7. Eight Tornados from Dahran AB arrived for the exercise that was hosted by RAF No. 617 Squadron. One of the Tornados was 703/ZE114.