Air to Air Photography
Flying with the RAF - Tornado GR.4/4A
Initially the designated the GR.1 when it entered service in 1980, 142 Tornados were later upgraded to GR.4/4A standard as a mid-life update, entering service in 1998. It is the RAF's primary long-range strike attack aircraft and is fitted on each side of the nose two 25mm cannons. Capable of flying in all weather and at low-level, using its terrain-following, ground-mapping radar.  It has Forward Looking infrared (FLIR) and linescan imaging systems to help fulfil its reconnaissance role, along with a 'RAPTOR' (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod TORnado) reconnaissance pod. For close air support and interdiction, the aircraft would be equipped with iron bombs, cluster bombs and laser-guided bombs. In the defence suppression role, it is equipped with anti-radar missiles. The Tornado GR.4/4A can also carry 'TIALD' (Thermal Imaging and Laser Designator) pod, first introduced during the first Gulf War in 1990.

The latest weapon systems employed include the Storm Shadow cruise missile system and the Brimstone anti-armour weapon. The Tornado GR.4/4A is in service with the RAF at Marham (2 Squadron with GR.4/GR.4A, 9 Squadron with GR.4, 13 Squadron with GR.4/GR.4A and 31 Squadron); Lossiemouth (12 Squadron, 14 Squadron, 15(R) Squadron and 617 Squadron all with GR.4s). The FJ&W OEU has around five GR.4s on strength and will 'borrow' aircraft from other squadrons, as and when required.
Tornado GR4 Air to Air photography
Tornado GR.4 (ZD749 'AP') callsign 'Batman' of 9 Squadron in July 2004.
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Tornado GR.4 (ZD739) of 41(R) Squadron fitted Brimstone anti-tank missiles over the Irish Sea in October 2008.
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Left to right: During 2006 a 3 number coding system applied to the tail of GR.4s was introduced. Tornado GR.4 (ZD748 '096') in April 2007.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA447 'DE') of 31 Squadron from RAF Marham in July 2005.
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Tornado GR.4 (ZG756 'BX') in 14 Squadron special 90th anniversary markings from RAF Lossiemouth in 2005.
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Tornado GR.4s (ZD749 'AP' and ZG771 'AZ') callsign 'Batman' of 9 Squadron based at RAF Marham in July 2004.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 'AJ-P') callsign 'Vandal' inscribed '1943-2003' on tail in red in July 2004.
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Left to right: Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 'AJ-P') callsign 'Vandal' of 617 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth, inscribed '1943-2003' on tail in red, Tornado GR.4 (ZA549 'AJ-Z') of 617 Squadron in July 2004.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA462 'AJ-P') callsign 'Vandal' inscribed '1943-2003' on tail in red in July 2004.
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Tornado GR.4 (ZA365 'AJ-Y') of 617 Squadron Tornado GR4A (ZA404 'W') of 2 Squadron from RAF Marham using callsign 'Spartan' and another GR.4 devoid of any squadron marks.