Panavia Tornado IDS

Aeronautica Militare 6 Stormo, 154 Gruppo, MM55003, Ghedi AB, Italie 1980s

Hobby Master 1:72 HA6720

The two-seat Tornado entered service with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) in the early 1980s. In the Aeronautica Militare structure the group is called 154 Gruppo CBOC/CRO (154th All-weather Fighter-Bomber/All-weather Reconnaissance Fighter Squadron). The first frontline squadron to be equipped with the Tornado was the 154 Gruppo, at Ghedi, under the 6 Stormo "Diavoli Rossi" ('Red Devils'). The 154 Gruppo reached full strength in 1984 when they had received all 18 aircraft and after extreme training the 154 achieved full combat readiness by October 1985.

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.