Panavia Tornado IDS

Aeronautica Militare, MM7074, Al Dhafra AB, UAE, Op. Desert Storm 1991

Hobby Master 1:72 HA6730

The Panavia Tornado IDS MM7074 was an Italian Air Force aircraft that gained prominence during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. On January 18, 1991, during Italy's first combat mission of the operation, MM7074 was shot down over Iraq. The crew, Major Gianmarco Bellini and Captain Maurizio Cocciolone, ejected and were captured as prisoners of war. This incident marked the first time Italian personnel had been taken captive since World War II. The aircraft was part of the "Legion 15" flight group, which conducted strike missions from Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.

Panavia Tornado IDS

Designed in collaboration with Britain, West Germany and Italy, the Tornado was first flown on August 14th, 1974 and is thought by many to be the most important military aircraft in Western European history. Nicknamed "The Flying Fin" because of its large tail fin, the Tornado has a variable wing sweep design and is capable of taking off and landing on short airstrips. It is equipped with terrain-following radar, which allows for hands-off, low-level flight in any weather. There are three primary versions: an electronic combat/reconnaissance version, an interceptor and a highly versatile strike fighter-bomber capable of carrying almost all of NATO's air-launched weapons.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.