A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Panavia Tornado F3 ADV ZE760 of Royal Air Force No. 5 Squadron. Corgi AA39803 depicts the aircraft operating from RAF Coningsby during 1991, when the Tornado F3 formed a central part of Britain's air-defence force at the close of the Cold War.
Developed as the air-defence member of the multinational Tornado family, the F3 was optimised as a long-range interceptor. Its extended fuselage, Foxhunter radar, two-seat crew arrangement and combination of Skyflash and Sidewinder missiles were intended to counter Soviet bombers and cruise-missile carriers approaching the United Kingdom.
The first improved Tornado F3s reached RAF Coningsby in 1986 and progressively replaced the Phantom in frontline air-defence service. The variable-sweep wings allowed the aircraft to combine efficient high-speed interception with the handling needed for take-off, landing and sustained patrol duties.
No. 5 Squadron operated the Tornado F3 from RAF Coningsby and was responsible for the air defence of the United Kingdom, including Quick Reaction Alert duties and the interception of Soviet reconnaissance aircraft near British airspace. The year 1991 also followed the squadron's contribution to the RAF Tornado F3 deployment supporting coalition air defence during Operation Granby.
This release represents ZE760 in No. 5 Squadron markings at RAF Coningsby in 1991. Its authentic Cold War-era presentation, prominent squadron markings and association with the RAF's final dedicated interceptor make it a distinctive subject for modern Royal Air Force collections.
Released within Corgi's Aviation Archive Collector Series and limited to 1,200 pieces worldwide, the model features articulated variable-sweep wings, movable elevators, opening canopy with crew figures, detailed engine exhaust areas, detachable ordnance, optional undercarriage and a presentation display stand. This example includes certificate number 364 of 1,200.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: AA39803
Aircraft: Panavia Tornado F3 ADV
Unit/Markings: Royal Air Force No. 5 Squadron
Serial: ZE760
Year/Date: 1991
Base/Location: RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England
Role: Long-range air-defence interceptor
Operator/Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Limited Edition Size: 1,200 pieces worldwide
Certificate Number: 364 of 1,200
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic components
Special Features: Articulated variable-sweep wings, movable elevators, opening canopy with crew figures, detachable ordnance, optional undercarriage and presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 9.25" or 23.5 cm
Width (Wingspan): 7.75" or 19.7 cm