The Panavia Tornado GR4/GR4A evolved from the GR1, GR1A and GR1B as the RAF's primary strike attack and reconnaissance aircraft. The Tornado GR1 replaced the Vulcan and Buccaneer aircraft and its latest evolution (GR4/A) is considered to be one of the most capable bombers in the world, especially at low levels. The GR4 is designed to carry a complete range of weaponry and is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker System that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets. It can carry Paveway II, Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser Guided Bombs (LGB) and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD) pod it can self-designate targets for the LGBs. It can also carry the Air Launched Anti-radiation Missile (ALARM) for suppression of enemy radar. For self-defence, the GR4 can carry sidewinder, chaff and flares, electronic countermeasures (ECM) and a 27mm canon.

The GR4 is equipped with Forward-looking Infrared (FLIR) and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. The Tornado possesses an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system which can be updated with visual or radar inputs. In its reconnaissance role, the GR4A is equipped with the Tornado Infrared Reconnaissance system for low-level tactical reconnaissance capability, and is being updated with the RAPTOR pod for better day-and-night reconnaissance.

At present, the GR4 is being updated with Storm Shadow missiles to allow precision strikes in poor weather and Brimstone missiles to provide an effective anti-armour weapon.

RAF SERVICE

The first flight of the Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) was in Aug 1974. The first GR1 flew in July 1979 and the GR4 in May1993. The GR1 first entered service with the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore in July 1980. The first operational unit was No 9 Sqn, getting the aircraft in 1982.

During the first Gulf War, the RAF deployed 45 GR1s and 6 GR1As and these aircraft were among the first to fly combat missions in the air campaign. The Tornado GR1s flew over 1500 missions during the conflict, and as the updated GR4, served with similar distinction in the second Gulf War.

The GR4 is operated by Nos 15(R), 12, 14, and 617 Sqns at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and by Nos 9(B) and 31 Sqns at RAF Marham in Norfolk. The GR4A is operated by Nos II(AC) and 13 Sqns also at Marham.

The GR4 is heavily tasked with established operational detachments in the Middle East and detachments in support of NATO in the former Yugoslavia.

The GR4/A can be seen in Edmonton and at CFB Cold Lake during the summer.

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