Panavia Tornado GR.1B
Royal Air Force – No. 16 Squadron, ZA492-FE/BS108, Operation Granby, RAF Muharraq (Bahrain), 1991
Panavia Tornado GR.1 – ZA492 "FE" / BS108
Unit: No. 16 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Serial: ZA492
Squadron Code: "FE"
Tail Code: BS108
Operation: Granby (Gulf War)
Base: RAF Muharraq, Bahrain
Year: 1991
Role: Low-level interdiction, runway denial, medium-altitude precision strike
Mission Profiles
| Phase | Mission Type | Altitude | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase | Runway Denial (JP233) | Low-level | Crater Iraqi airfields, prevent aircraft takeoff |
| Mid Campaign | Conventional Bombing | Medium-level | Strike infrastructure, ammo depots, command centers |
| Late Campaign | Precision Strike (LGB) | Medium-level | Target bunkers, hardened shelters, bridges |
| SEAD Support | ALARM Deployment | Medium-level | Suppress enemy radar and SAM sites |
Loadout Configurations
| Mission Type | Typical Loadout |
|---|---|
| Runway Denial | 1x JP233 dispenser, 2x drop tanks, BOZ-107 ECM pod |
| Conventional Bombing | 5x 1,000 lb bombs, 2x drop tanks, BOZ-107 ECM pod |
| Precision Strike | 2x Paveway II LGBs, 1x TIALD pod, 2x drop tanks |
| SEAD | 2x ALARM missiles, 2x drop tanks, BOZ-107 ECM pod |
Historical Anecdotes
Night One: The Most Daring Mission
On the opening night of Operation Desert Storm, RAF Tornado GR.1s—including aircraft from No. 16 Squadron—executed low-level attacks using the JP233 runway denial system. These missions were flown at tree-top height, under heavy anti-aircraft fire, to crater Iraqi airfields and scatter anti-personnel bomblets.
Tactical Shift: From Low to Medium Altitude
After suffering losses, the RAF revised its tactics. Crews transitioned to medium-altitude bombing, using 1,000 lb dumb bombs and later Paveway II laser-guided bombs. Buccaneer S.2Bs equipped with Pave Spike pods flew alongside Tornados to designate targets.
Muharraq’s Wave
RAF Muharraq in Bahrain became the primary base for Tornado GR.1 operations. Aircraft like ZA492 launched from this desert outpost, often flying night missions deep into Iraqi territory.
ALARM & SEAD Missions
Tornados also deployed ALARM missiles for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). These missiles could loiter and dive onto active radar emitters, allowing Tornados to clear paths for strike packages.
Legacy of ZA492
ZA492 was part of a fleet that showcased the Tornado’s adaptability—from low-level brute force to high-altitude precision. Its role in Operation Granby helped cement the Tornado GR.1’s reputation as a formidable strike platform.
Kit details- Kit: Airfix 9 04027 in 1:72 scale
- Scale: 1:72
Tornado GR.1 Gulf War Build – Paint & Detailing Guide
Exterior Paint Scheme
| Area | Real Color Name | Vallejo Model Air Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Camouflage | Desert Pink (BS381C 388) | Custom Mix (see below) | Gulf War-specific scheme |
| Radome & Nose Cone | Dark Grey | AV 71.054 DARK GREY BLUE | Often darker than fuselage |
| Exhaust & Heat-Stressed Areas | Burnt Metal | AV 71.073 BLACK (METALLIC) | For heat-stressed zones |
| Wheel Wells & Undercarriage | Light Grey | AV 71.050 LIGHT GRAY | Clean contrast to camo |
| Antennas & Sensors | Black | AV 71.057 BLACK | Standard RAF fit |
Suggested Mix for “Desert Pink”
BS381C 388 Desert Pink
- 2 parts AV 71.027 LIGHT BROWN (Light Brown)
- 1 part AV 71.075 IVORY (Sand Ivory)
- Optional: Add a touch of AV 71.132 AGED WHITE (Aged White) for sun-faded effect
Interior Cockpit Colors
| Component | Real Color Name | Vallejo Model Air Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockpit panels & walls | RAF Dark Sea Grey | AV 71.053 DARK SEA GRAY | Main cockpit color |
| Instrument bezels & switches | Satin Black | AV 71.057 BLACK | Matte finish preferred |
| Ejection seat cushions | Black | AV 71.057 BLACK | For headrest and seat pads |
| Harness straps (tan) | Medium Brown | AV 71.029 DARK EARTH | For outer straps |
| Harness straps (blue) | Mid Blue | AV 71.111 USAF LIGHT BLUE | For inner shoulder/lap straps |
| Harness pads (green) | Light Green | AV 71.006 LIGHT GREEN CHROMATE | Shoulder pads |
| Parachute box flaps | Olive Green | AV 71.016 USAF OLIVE DRAB | Subtle contrast |
| Rocket pack | Gloss White | AV 71.001 WHITE | Avoid blue—used only for inert packs |
| Emergency oxygen bottle | Semi-gloss Black | AV 71.057 BLACK | Same as seat cushions |
| Metal components | Silver/Chrome/Green | AV 71.063 SILVER RLM01 (METALLIC) / AV 71.065 STEEL (METALLIC) | Use selectively for realism |
Weathering Guide – Tornado GR.1 "Desert Pink" (ZA492)
Operation Granby Tornados operated in harsh desert conditions, often flying multiple sorties per day. Weathering should reflect sun exposure, sand abrasion, fluid leaks, and combat wear.
Surface Effects
| Technique | Application Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fading & Bleaching | Upper fuselage, wings | Use lightened AV 71.027 LIGHT BROWN or AV 71.132 AGED WHITE to simulate sun-faded Desert Pink |
| Sand Abrasion | Leading edges, intakes | Apply subtle chipping with sponge or brush using AV 71.075 IVORY or AV 71.050 LIGHT GRAY |
| Panel Line Wash | All control surfaces | Use light brown or grey wash to pop panel lines without over-darkening |
| Oil & Hydraulic Stains | Undercarriage, engine nacelles | Use AV 71.057 BLACK thinned with gloss medium or enamel wash for realism |
| Exhaust Soot | Rear fuselage, stabilizers | Airbrush AV 71.073 BLACK (METALLIC) and AV 71.065 STEEL (METALLIC) in feathered streaks |
| Fuel Spills | Drop tank mounts, refueling port | Use satin black or dark brown wash with irregular flow patterns |
Decal Integration
- Seal decals with gloss coat before weathering.
- Apply localized fading over decals using thinned base mix to blend them into the paintwork.
- Use dust filters (light tan pigment or pastel) around stencil markings to simulate sand buildup.
Optional Enhancements
| Effect | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Dust Filter | Pigments or pastel chalk | Apply around gear bays, lower fuselage |
| Chipping | Sponge or fine brush | Focus on access panels, ladder rungs |
| Mission Tally Marks | Hand-painted or decal | Add realism if replicating a specific sortie count |
| Nose Art Aging | Light overspray or drybrush | Tone down vibrancy to match faded fuselage |
Final Finish
- Flat coat recommended to unify tones and reduce sheen.
- Consider semi-gloss accents on hydraulic areas and exhaust panels for contrast.
This model appears in
- Bomber Command: RAF bombers, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle WA, from Feb 5 2026 to Jun 4 2026 (event managed by Jim Bates)