Tornado F.3 - Revision history

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */

2024-08-23T08:16:33Z

‎Suspended armament

U44629479: Edits

2024-03-30T20:43:58Z

Edits

U42858531: /* See also */ I added the list with links to other aircraft with variable geometry wings that exist in the game

2024-03-24T03:32:57Z

‎See also: I added the list with links to other aircraft with variable geometry wings that exist in the game

U17577377 at 18:22, 5 December 2023

2023-12-05T18:22:34Z

U17577377: Edits

2023-12-05T18:21:18Z

Edits

Show changes

U42773747: although i re-read this multiple times, appearantly still has typo's

2023-12-03T01:04:02Z

although i re-read this multiple times, appearantly still has typo's

U42773747: I'd recommend to adapt the flight performance explanation to all tornados, but keep in mind that this is the performance without bombs. with that in mind, made some additional text, particularly for turning.Hopefully it's all more or less easily readable.

2023-12-03T01:01:40Z

I'd recommend to adapt the flight performance explanation to all tornados, but keep in mind that this is the performance without bombs. with that in mind, made some additional text, particularly for turning.Hopefully it's all more or less easily readable.

Show changes

U11852831: /* History */

2023-11-10T23:52:17Z

‎History

U42773747: Changed the wording for gun since it's not entirely correct. Added a little note about supertemp.

2023-10-14T20:20:30Z

Changed the wording for gun since it's not entirely correct. Added a little note about supertemp.

U38088265: Reverted edits by U11852831 (talk) to last revision by U69651212

2023-10-11T09:07:28Z

Reverted edits by U11852831 (talk) to last revision by U69651212

@@ Line 199: / Line 199: @@
 |-
 ! [[Skyflash]] missiles
-| || || 4 || ||
+| || || 2, 4 || ||
 |-
 ! [[Skyflash SuperTEMP]] missiles
@@ Line 218: / Line 218: @@
 * 2 x 330 gal drop tanks
-* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 2 x Skyflash missiles
 * 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
 * 4 x Skyflash missiles
@@ Line 324: / Line 324: @@
 Originally designed as a multi-role combat aircraft, the Tornado's versatility was its hallmark. While it had variants like the GR1 for strike/attack missions and the ECR for electronic combat/reconnaissance, the evolving geopolitical landscape necessitated a dedicated air defence variant. This led to the development of the Tornado F.3, a variant that specialized in the interception and neutralization of airborne threats. Distinct from its siblings, the Tornado F.3 featured a longer fuselage to accommodate additional fuel, enhancing its endurance — a critical attribute for an interceptor. Equipped with the sophisticated Foxhunter radar and armed with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Skyflash, the F.3 was a formidable opponent in the skies.
-Entering service with the Royal Air Force in the mid-1980s, the Tornado F.3 became a cornerstone of Britain’s air defence. It replaced ageing aircraft like the English Electric Lightning and the F-4 Phantom II, embodying a new era of air defence capabilities. Throughout the latter stages of the Cold War, the F.3 was a sentinel in the skies, regularly conducting patrols and intercepts of unidentified or potentially hostile aircraft near UK airspace. Though it never engaged in high-intensity dogfights, its presence acted as a significant deterrent.
+Entering service with the Royal Air Force in the mid-1980s, the Tornado F.3 became a cornerstone of Britain's air defence. It replaced ageing aircraft like the English Electric Lightning and the F-4 Phantom II, embodying a new era of air defence capabilities. Throughout the latter stages of the Cold War, the F.3 was a sentinel in the skies, regularly conducting patrols and intercepts of unidentified or potentially hostile aircraft near UK airspace. Though it never engaged in high-intensity dogfights, its presence acted as a significant deterrent.
 The Tornado F.3's combat history, while not marked by prolific aerial battles, nonetheless encompasses critical deployments. During the Gulf War in 1990-91, the F.3s were deployed primarily in air defence roles, safeguarding coalition forces against the Iraqi aerial threat, which, as it turned out, was minimal. In the Balkans conflicts of the 1990s, the F.3 again played a key role, focusing on air defence and patrol duties.

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 Avoid dogfighting, especially if the enemy is already on your tail. You have no real advantages against your opponent unless they are already badly crippled with large sections of their wings/tail missing. If you are still supersonic and are being chased, get a teammate to cover your back or run back to the airfield. Try and fly in a straight line given that folded Tornado will bleed speed in any sort of turn manoeuvre, but also keep an eye out for potential IR missiles or at least turn on periodic flare release.
-If you have no choice, simultaneously pull up and use the afterburner with reverse thrust to slow down to optimal speed levels of about 800-900 km/h then stabilize the plane and drop into a horizontal turn while disabling reverse thrust and using combat flaps (order the wings to unsweep manually if the plane doesn't do it, then return them into autopilot mode). If the manoeuver is executed properly, you will have the maximum possible turn rate, while only suffering 7-8 G overload. If the enemy hasn't already obliterated you as we are setting up, drain your opponent by flying in circles - a lot of other planes have to sacrifice a lot of speed to keep spinning after you, which will eventually put them into equal or worse turn rate than you (since you don't really lose speed anymore, but they most likely do), or at least put an 11+ G overload on their pilot, making them G-lock after a few seconds. While spinning, use "look up" ACM mode and fish for any opening - as soon as the radar display says that the enemy plane is within 28 degrees of your nose, 9L or SuperTemp will have a high chance of removing your opponent, fire immediately if there are no friendlies involved. If pulse-doppler ACM has problems with picking up your opponent, switch to normal SRC ACM.
+If you have no choice, simultaneously pull up and use the afterburner with reverse thrust to slow down to optimal speed levels of about 800-900 km/h then stabilize the plane and drop into a horizontal turn while disabling reverse thrust and using combat flaps (order the wings to unsweep manually if the plane doesn't do it, then return them into autopilot mode). If the manoeuvre is executed properly, you will have the maximum possible turn rate, while only suffering 7-8 G overload. If the enemy hasn't already obliterated you as we are setting up, drain your opponent by flying in circles - a lot of other planes have to sacrifice a lot of speed to keep spinning after you, which will eventually put them into equal or worse turn rate than you (since you don't really lose speed anymore, but they most likely do), or at least put an 11+ G overload on their pilot, making them G-lock after a few seconds. While spinning, use "look up" ACM mode and fish for any opening - as soon as the radar display says that the enemy plane is within 28 degrees of your nose, 9L or SuperTemp will have a high chance of removing your opponent, fire immediately if there are no friendlies involved. If pulse-doppler ACM has problems with picking up your opponent, switch to normal SRC ACM.
 Remember, the Tornado F.3 likes to fly predictable, straight paths and makes very predictable manoeuvres, like the aforementioned flying in circles. Although a plane won't ever make a good pilot blackout, it can't sacrifice speed to make a snappy turn, or suddenly gain a second wind like the MiG-23. Any enemy with an ounce of situational awareness will easily be able to keep tabs on you with no effort whatsoever, even if they can't keep up flying in circles after you for one reason or another. Even if you manage to drain your current opponents, anyone else can easily intervene. You also can't make unpredictable manoeuvres and sneak up on people given your overall lack of acceleration and mobility in any direction other than forward and up, so all you can do is endure and hope that you have enough fuel. This makes it hard to employ your AIM-9Ls or your guns in a turn fight, given it is very difficult to stick to an opponent's tail for a good rear aspect shot. However, you will still find the AIM-9L to be a very consistent weapon and a good close-to-mid-range missile.

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 * [[Tornado (Family)]], [[Tornado ADV]] is essentially identical.
-* [[MiG-23MLD]] - the similar plane of the Soviets, variations of which are commonly seen in battle.
 == External links ==

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 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The introduction of the Panavia Tornado F.3 marked an enduring chapter in the annals of the Royal Air Force, leaving an indelible impact from its debut in the late 1970s through its operational legacy well into the new millennium. The Tornado F.3's sophisticated air-to-air weaponry and radar systems were prominently showcased, exemplifying its adaptability during its role as a vital guardian of British airspace during the Gulf War and beyond. As the new millennium dawned, the Tornado F.3 continued to play a crucial part in coalition endeavours, most notably supporting various NATO missions and contributing to peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans. Its legacy stretches beyond its operational significance, serving as a testament to the RAF's unwavering dedication to advanced aerial tactics and strategic air power projection throughout its service history.
+The introduction of the Panavia '''Tornado F.3''' marked an enduring chapter in the annals of the Royal Air Force, leaving an indelible impact from its debut in the late 1970s through its operational legacy well into the new millennium. The Tornado F.3's sophisticated air-to-air weaponry and radar systems were prominently showcased, exemplifying its adaptability during its role as a vital guardian of British airspace during the Gulf War and beyond. As the new millennium dawned, the Tornado F.3 continued to play a crucial part in coalition endeavours, most notably supporting various NATO missions and contributing to peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans. Its legacy stretches beyond its operational significance, serving as a testament to the RAF's unwavering dedication to advanced aerial tactics and strategic air power projection throughout its service history.
 It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]]. Diverging from the [[Tornado GR.1|GR.1]] variant, the Panavia Tornado assumes the role of a fighter-interceptor in its F.3 version. Designed with a focus on air superiority, this aircraft boasts an array of impressive missile capabilities, positioning itself as a formidable adversary against airborne threats. Equipped with advanced missile systems including the AIM-9L Sidewinder and Skyflash SuperTEMP, the Tornado F.3 is primed to excel in modern aerial combat scenarios. The AIM-9L Sidewinder enhances its close-range combat capabilities, providing a potent tool for engaging agile opponents at short distances. Meanwhile, the Skyflash SuperTEMP missile system elevates its long-range engagement potential, enabling the Tornado F.3 to neutralize even the most sophisticated and distant enemy aircraft with precision and efficacy. With these sophisticated missile technologies at its disposal, the Tornado F.3 confidently stands as a vigilant guardian of the skies, ready to swiftly and effectively counter any potential airborne intrusion.

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 The wing sweep, upgrades, height, momentum, and general speed of the plane heavily affect its turning rate. Even the player's control scheme can affect how efficiently the plane turns. It is ill-advised to commit to prolonged turnfights with enemies without remembering how it works first, as the plane has poor acceleration rate. In general, fully trained pilot with G-suit should not suffer any fatigue at all and only plane's energy state should matter. The reverse thrust can be used to slow down without cutting the afterburner and to make autopilot understand that the pilot is planning to turnfight. Here are general plane performance levels with improved boosters installed:
-# The full turn time of 28 seconds from the stat card is implied for fully folded, fully modified Tornado going at near maximum speed at about 300 m height. Some weight in form of missiles or fuel may increase the turn time by a second, but it is usually irrelevant due to how fast the engines burns fuel. The plane will not outturn anything, but it will not self-destruct in a dive either. Tornado F3 will lose a lot of speed when turning horizontally in this state, while technically not losing anything in a hard pull followed by a dive.
+# The full turn time of 28 seconds from the stat card is implied for fully folded, fully modified Tornado going at near maximum speed at about 300 m height. Some weight in form of missiles or fuel may increase the turn time by a second, but it is usually irrelevant due to how fast the engines burn fuel. The plane will not outturn anything, but it will not self-destruct in a dive either. Tornado F3 will lose a lot of speed when turning horizontally in this state, while technically not losing anything in a hard pull followed by a dive.
 # By decreasing the speed to 1070 km/h the plane can reduce it's turning circle to 24-22 seconds. The autopilot will try to change the wing sweep to about 40%, which is better than 20% with flaps at this point (even though it's technically possible to use). The plane will no longer lose speed in a horizontal turn if the plane is using afterburner. While this state allows to immediately chase something upon detection, this is not a good state to have a turnfight with and reverse thrust is required to move onto the next state.
 # By decreasing the speed to ~780 km/h, but not below 700 km/h (use of the afterburner is imperative at this point) the wings can be unswept all the way out and the plane will achieve 21 seconds turn rate. Use of combat flaps will shave 2 more seconds off, allowing to achieve 19 seconds turn rate. If the player uses relative controls, simply pulling the plane "up" to the side should net 18 seconds turn rate by default. At this point the plane can outturn the [[Phantom FGR.2]] and any attacker, but most dedicated fighters can still outturn Tornado, at least short-term.

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 == History ==
 <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
-''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+The Panavia Tornado F3, a pivotal aircraft in the annals of military aviation, emerged from the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. This aircraft was not just a machine of war; it was a symbol of multinational collaboration and technological advancement in the face of a rapidly evolving global threat landscape.
 == Media ==

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 The main cannon is filled with APHE as main ammunition in all loadouts, so it is good at causing plane fires and destroying lightly armoured targets, including light pillboxes or tanks. The gun can destroy howitzers in 3-4 hits from 3 km away, which is decent considering the low ammunition count.
-The gun can receive gun radar assist at about 1.5 km range. In this mode, the gun pointer demonstrates where the shells will fly, all pilot has to do is to fire and "slice" enemy plane hull with the gun pointer while doing so. Accuracy of the gun radar is about 80% and it is very reliable even against wiggling enemy planes within ground interference and despite low fire rate of a gun, making it superior to radar missiles during ground level fights.
+The gun can receive gun radar assist at about 1.5 km range. In this mode, the gun pointer demonstrates what the shells will intercept, all pilot has to do is to fire and "slice" enemy plane hull with the gun pointer while doing so. Accuracy of the gun radar is about 80% and it is very reliable even against wiggling enemy planes within ground interference and despite low fire rate of a gun, making it superior to radar missiles during ground level fights.
 === Suspended armament ===
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 The Skyflashes are the same as those used on Phantom FGR.2 and FG.1. The main advantage is that they can be launched at ridiculous angles and still manage to acquire the lock, then they turn towards the enemy right after launch without wasting time. This combines well with the "look up" and "wide" ACM radar mode, as the plane is often forced to ground level without even being able to pull the nose up by other radar missiles. In general, these missiles can acquire anything within 30 degrees of the plane nose, better if the target is below the plane (radar scope can be checked to see how many degrees above or below the nose is the selected target).
 == Usage in battles ==