Tornado ECR 1:48 Model Kit by Hobby Boss

Model Features

• 1:48 scale plastic model kit
• Accurately represents the Panavia Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance)
• Highly detailed cockpit with authentic instrument panels and Martin-Baker ejection seats
• Finely engraved panel lines and realistic surface detail
• Variable-sweep wings with movable wing mechanism
• Detailed landing gear and wheel wells
• Accurate twin-engine exhaust nozzles
• Includes AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, external fuel tanks, and ECM pods
• Clear canopy parts with excellent transparency
• Precision-moulded plastic parts
• Waterslide decal sheet with Luftwaffe markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Ideal for modern military aviation collections, NATO aircraft displays, or SEAD mission diorama projects.

Specifications

• Brand: Hobby Boss
• Scale: 1:48
• Subject: Panavia Tornado ECR
• Material: Injection-moulded plastic
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced modellers
• Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
• Recommended Age: 14+
• Parts: Over 370
• Model Length: 372mm
• Wingspan: 287mm (wings forward)

What's in the Box

• Plastic sprues
• Clear canopy parts
• AGM-88 HARM missiles
• External fuel tanks
• Electronic countermeasure (ECM) pods
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Aircraft

The Panavia Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance) is a specialised variant of the famous Panavia Tornado, developed to carry out Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions. Built through a collaboration between Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the Tornado programme produced several variants, with the ECR version designed specifically to detect, locate, and destroy enemy radar systems.

The Tornado first flew in 1974, with the ECR variant entering operational service with the German Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force during the early 1990s. Based on the Tornado IDS airframe, the ECR replaced the aircraft's internal cannons with sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment capable of detecting hostile radar emissions over long distances.

Powered by two Turbo-Union RB199 afterburning turbofan engines, the Tornado ECR can exceed Mach 2.2 at altitude while retaining the low-level, high-speed penetration capability for which the Tornado family became famous. Its variable-sweep wings allow excellent performance during both high-speed interception and low-speed take-off and landing operations.

The aircraft's primary weapon is the AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile), designed to home in on enemy radar emissions and destroy surface-to-air missile sites before they can engage friendly aircraft. In addition to HARM missiles, the Tornado ECR carries electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment, reconnaissance sensors, and external fuel tanks, enabling long-range operations deep into hostile airspace.

The Tornado ECR has participated in numerous NATO operations, including missions over the Balkans, Kosovo, Libya, and operations against ISIS in the Middle East. It has proven invaluable in protecting allied aircraft by neutralising enemy air defence systems before strike packages enter contested airspace.

Although gradually being replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon ECR in some roles, the Tornado ECR remains one of the world's most respected dedicated electronic combat aircraft. Its combination of advanced sensors, electronic warfare capability, and high-speed performance has made it a cornerstone of NATO SEAD operations for more than three decades.

Historical Snapshot

• Countries: Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
• First Flight (Tornado): 14 August 1974
• Entered Service (ECR): 1990
• Role: Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance / SEAD Aircraft
• Manufacturer: Panavia Aircraft GmbH
• Crew: 2
• Engines: Two Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103 afterburning turbofan engines
• Primary Armament: AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles
• Secondary Armament: Electronic warfare pods, reconnaissance sensors, external fuel tanks, and conventional stores
• Maximum Speed: Approximately Mach 2.2 (2,400 km/h / 1,490 mph)
• Range: Approximately 3,890 km (2,417 miles with external fuel)

Please Note

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.