Tornado ECR

TORNADO ECR
- Reconnaissance / SEAD Aircraft -

- Tornado ECR Image A -

Origin: (Real World)
Multi-national European consortium

Games Featured In:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

Operators:
Osean Air Defense Force
Yuktobanian Air Force

Ace Squadron Pilot(s):
Twice-Dead / YAF (AC5)

Variants:
TND-F3
TND-GR.1
TND-GR4
TND-IDS

Armament: (Special Weapons)
Gun / 1 x 27mm BK-27 Mauser Cannon (In-game only)
Standard Missiles / AIM-9M Sidewinder
ECMP / [unknown]

Ace Combat 5 Stats:
Speed: 68
Mobility: 67
Stability: 69
Defense: 80
Air-to-Air: 59
Air-to-Ground: 63

Background:
Operated by Germany and Italy, the ECR is an IDS variant devoted to SEAD missions. It was first delivered on May 21, 1990. The ECR is equipped with an emitter-locator system (ELS) which is designed to locate enemy radar sites. The ECR is equipped with the AGM-88 HARM. The Luftwaffe's 35 ECRs were delivered new, while Italy received 16 converted IDSs. German ECRs were equipped with a Honeywell infra-red imaging systems for reconnaissance, however operational experience lead to the removal of this system; It was considered impractical for one aircraft to be tasked with both SEAD and reconnaissance. German ECR Tornado's participated successfully during Operation Allied Force in former Yugoslavia and launched a total number of 236 Anti-Radiation Missiles AGM-88 HARM. Italian ECRs (IT-ECR) differ from the Luftwaffe aircraft in that they were never equipped with a reconnaissance capability and as IDS conversion they are equipped with RB199 Mk.103 engines. Luftwaffe ECRs are equipped with RB199 Mk.105 which have a slightly higher thrust rating. The first IT-ECR was delivered on February 27, 1998, and formally accepted on April 7. The RAF and RSAF IDS carry ALARM missiles in this role. The first prototype of the ECR variant was a converted production model IDS and first flew in August 1988. Modifications included the addition of a FLIR sensor and location equipment and was also fitted for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) role, however, most of the IDS’s original equipment such as the radar and navigation system remain intact.

A total of 35 aircraft were ordered for the “Luftwaffe” with deliveries beginning in 1990. Two units in the “Luftwaffe” (JBG 32 and JBG 38) received operational ECR units however in 1994, all operations of the ECR were concentrated into one unit. German ECR’s differ from other Tornadoes because they are fitted with more powerful engines. Italy also operates the ECR. The ECR’s main offensive weapon is the AGM-88 HARM, however, the ECR is also cleared to carry any munitions that the IDS is cleared for. The ECR also has both Mauser 27mm cannons removed from the nose.

Specifications:
Crew: 2
Length: 16.72 m (54 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 13.91 m at 25° wing sweep, 8.60 m at 67° wing sweep (45.6 ft / 28.2 ft)
Height: 5.95 m (19.5 ft)
Wing area: 26.6 m² (286 ft²)
Empty weight: 13,890 kg (31,620 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 28,000 kg (61,700 lb)
Powerplant: 2× Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk 103 afterburning turbofans
Maximum speed: Mach 2.34 (2,417.6 km/h, 1,511 mph)
Range: 1,390 km (870 mi) typical combat
Service ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)

SOURCE:
based on info from "Aircraft of the World"

ACCREDITATION:
Original Article By: AeroAceX01
Article Updated By: Berserker