In 1969, Germany, the UK and Italy together agreed on the development and construction of a joint “Multi Role Combat Aircraft” (MRCA). The plans called for a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft with variable wing geometry and a powerplant that was also to be a trinational effort. The MRCA was to be optimised for extreme low-level flight, but also capable of taking on air combat and intercept roles. Besides the technology involved – like the terrain-following radar – the project management for the programme, which would be on a hitherto unknown scale, represented the biggest challenge.
The first prototype of the MRCA – later designated “Tornado” – took off on its successful maiden flight on 14 August 1974; in July 1976, the agreement on series production of the Tornado was concluded, whereupon it began to be gradually introduced in varying configurations in the UK, Germany and Italy. Then as now, the Tornado would undergo continual modifications and improvements. Whether used as an interceptor or for electronic surveillance, the Tornado is a highly flexible instrument for peace-keeping measures and an indispensable part of changing security policy in Europe.
