Conceived in the Cold War as a 'Multi Role Combat Aircraft,' the Tornado was a tri-national project between the UK, Germany, and Italy. From its introduction to service in 1981 and combat debut in 1991, the aircraft has repeatedly demonstrated its rugged versatility and been assigned varied tasks during its operational career, including nuclear strike alert missions, precision ground attack, close air support, air defence, maritime attack, suppression of enemy air defence operations and reconnaissance. Since those first combat missions in 1991, Tornado aircraft and crews have been almost continually committed to combat operations from the Balkans, to Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and more recently Syria and Yemen. Retired by the RAF in 2019, Tornado is a proven robust, reliable weapons platform. Even now, in the twilight of its career, it continues front-line operations with the German, Italian and Saudi Arabian Air Forces. Based around accounts of those who have flown and continue to fly the aircraft, 50 Years of the Tornado explores its operational record, major milestones, and achievements through to current commitments. It is amply illustrated, with many never before published images, including several examples of special paint schemes worn by Tornados over the years.
