From The Archives: Panavia Tornado GR. 1 In Royal Saudi Air Force Camouflage

The cover of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s March 24, 1986, issue featured the first Panavia Tornado GR. 1 readied for delivery to the Royal Saudi Air Force during a test flight over Britain. 

The aircraft was assembled at the British Aerospace factory at Warton, England. Saudi Arabia ordered 48 Tornado GR. 1 interdiction/strike aircraft and 24 Tornado F. 3 air defense aircraft. The camouflage paint scheme was designed for operations over the Middle Eastern desert terrain.

The 72 Tornados were paid for under the terms of a government-to-government agreement that called for funds for oil purchased from Saudi Arabia by British-owned petroleum companies to be placed in a separate account and used to pay for the aircraft. 

Except for changes in some communications gear and additional air-conditioning, the initial aircraft delivered were identical to those produced for British forces. Armaments included twin 27-mm. Mau- ser automatic guns located in the fuselage. British Aerospace photo by Gerry Peet.

See the cover image and read the full issue - March 24 1986 | Aviation Week

Enjoy unlimited access to the complete Aviation Week Archive, which features over 100 Years of Aviation Week content at your fingertips.

Every issue, every page, every article we have ever published. Your subscription includes full access to the archives, plus current Aviation Week & Space Technology articles (both digital and print packages available).