A visually striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 carrying distinctive Arctic exercise camouflage. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA33613 depicts Tornado ZA371 of RAF No. 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron during a deployment to Norway in 1995.
Royal Air Force units regularly deployed to Norway to participate in demanding NATO exercises conducted in mountainous terrain and severe winter conditions. These deployments allowed aircrews to practise low-level navigation, reconnaissance and strike operations in an environment very different from the aircraft's normal operating bases in Britain.
No. 2 (AC) Squadron operated the specialised GR.1A reconnaissance version of the Tornado. The aircraft carried internally mounted reconnaissance equipment that allowed its crew to gather imagery and intelligence while flying at high speed and low altitude. The squadron maintained this important tactical reconnaissance role for many years before later transitioning to the upgraded Tornado GR.4A.
ZA371 is reproduced in an unusual temporary Arctic finish, with areas of white paint applied over the aircraft's standard green and grey camouflage. The irregular pattern was intended to help the Tornado blend into Norway's snow-covered landscape, creating one of the most distinctive schemes carried by an operational RAF Tornado.
Developed jointly by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy, the Panavia Tornado first flew in 1974. Its variable-geometry wings allowed the aircraft to combine efficient high-speed, low-level flight with improved take-off and landing performance. The Tornado served in strike, interception, electronic combat and reconnaissance roles, becoming one of the most important European military aircraft of its generation.
Limited to 1,300 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of modern RAF aircraft and unusual operational camouflage schemes. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, variable-geometry wings, synchronised movable elevators and finely reproduced heat shielding around the twin engine exhausts. Additional details include external fuel tanks, a positionable canopy with crew figures, detailed cockpit instrumentation, authentic squadron markings and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33613
Aircraft: Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1
Serial: ZA371
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron
Role: Tactical reconnaissance aircraft
Campaign / Event: NATO winter exercise deployment
Theatre / Base: Norway
Date/Period: 1995
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,300 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, distinctive temporary Arctic camouflage, authentic RAF No. 2 (AC) Squadron markings, variable-geometry wings, synchronised movable elevators, detailed twin engine exhaust heat shielding, external fuel tanks, positionable cockpit canopy, integrated crew figures, detailed cockpit interior and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 9.25" or 23.5 cm
Width (Wingspan): 7.75" or 19.7 cm