treacle6773 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) Evening all. I'm compiling information for an upcoming project where by I want to depict a Tonka on Telic (Op Telic 8 specifically, during my deployment). I've found a decent reference of ZA553/DI (previously deployed and fondly named "Dishy Intel" during the invasion of Iraq). The photographers notes appear to confirm that it was taken during the specified era with armaments relative to its time but one thing has me 2nd guessing... It's wearing Sqn Markings! 31Sqn in particular, and I can't seem to find any other evidence to confirm this. Could any of you fine gentlemen (or women) shed any light on this please? Here's the link to my reference: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/20448/tornado Edited June 24, 2020 by treacle6773 Spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted June 24, 2020 Author Share Posted June 24, 2020 Also, as my undercarriage recognition is still in its infancy, could I just confirm what it is carrying? (P-S) Sky Shadow 1500ltr tank TIALD Paveway III 1500ltr tank BOZ pod Nothing on the centre or rear shoulders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 What scale are you looking at? If 1/72nd are these any good? https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ML72104?result-token=l4eMf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard E Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 39 minutes ago, treacle6773 said: Also, as my undercarriage recognition is still in its infancy, could I just confirm what it is carrying? (P-S) Sky Shadow 1500ltr tank TIALD Paveway III 1500ltr tank BOZ pod Nothing on the centre or rear shoulders Almost there The external tanks are the larger 2,250 litre versions which were originally used by the Tornado F Mk.3 before being adopted by the GR fleet from 1991 It also looks like the Tornado in your picture is also carrying empty (i.e. without missiles) BOL dispensers in place of the Sidewinder Launch Rails on the inner pylons: there are some better pictures of these in this walkaround. In simple terms, the BOL dispenser is a missile launch rail with an integrated chaff dispenser. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motley Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 Although most sqn markings were removed some jet still managed to carry them for quite a long time. We had Tonkas out in Cyprus on Op Shader that still had sqn markings, just seemed that a few managed to miss the bland greyness. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted June 24, 2020 Author Share Posted June 24, 2020 41 minutes ago, Richard E said: Almost there The external tanks are the larger 2,250 litre versions which were originally used by the Tornado F Mk.3 before being adopted by the GR fleet from 1991 It also looks like the Tornado in your picture is also carrying empty (i.e. without missiles) BOL dispensers in place of the Sidewinder Launch Rails on the inner pylons: there are some better pictures of these in this walkaround. In simple terms, the BOL dispenser is a missile launch rail with an integrated chaff dispenser. Thanks for the correction @Richard EE. I did think they looked like 2250's but couldn't imagine they'd need that size in theatre and talked myself out of it. I didn't mention the BOLs did I. And I'm guessing no AIM-9s due to lack of aerial threat? 38 minutes ago, Motley said: Although most sqn markings were removed some jet still managed to carry them for quite a long time. We had Tonkas out in Cyprus on Op Shader that still had sqn markings, just seemed that a few managed to miss the bland greyness. That's reassuring to know. I'd seen some of the Libya Typhoons carrying markings too and thought that was quite odd. Also makes for a more colourful model once it's done! Would the image be accurate to a typical loadout at that time or would it have carried (and perhaps already deployed) more weaponry than depicted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard E Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 24 minutes ago, treacle6773 said: And I'm guessing no AIM-9s due to lack of aerial threat? Correct 24 minutes ago, treacle6773 said: Would the image be accurate to a typical loadout at that time or would it have carried (and perhaps already deployed) more weaponry than depicted? By 2006 the Tornado was probably providing an overwatch/air policing role so the payload is probably typical. The only other payload they might carry could be the RAPTOR reconnaissance pod but I'll let more knowledgeable heads confirm that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phone Phixer Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 5 hours ago, treacle6773 said: Also, as my undercarriage recognition is still in its infancy, could I just confirm what it is carrying? (P-S) Sky Shadow 1500ltr tank TIALD Paveway III 1500ltr tank BOZ pod Nothing on the centre or rear shoulders It's carrying the single 1,000lb Paveway II (most likely enhanced PW II), not a 2,000lb Paveway III. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted June 25, 2020 Author Share Posted June 25, 2020 5 hours ago, Jabba said: What scale are you looking at? If 1/72nd are these any good? https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ML72104?result-token=l4eMf Sorry @Jabba, I don't know how I missed your post. Unfortunately not. It'll be in 1:48. I got hold of the MA Op Telic pt.2 decals which include ZA553 albeit as was during the invasion of Iraq some years prior. Luckily it has the tail number in black AND white so these will be useable, but the "DI" designation is in the wrong colour (I would need them in white). And I'm still on the hunt for some 31Sqn markings. I'm hoping the new Revell GR4 Farewell might have the gold stars for the tail as well as the front fuselage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted June 25, 2020 Author Share Posted June 25, 2020 25 minutes ago, Phone Phixer said: It's carrying the single 1,000lb Paveway II (most likely enhanced PW II), not a 2,000lb Paveway III. Ah, it looked a bit long to me. Certainly doesn't look like it could carry two on the same shoulder. I might have to try getting hold of the odd EPW 2 from somewhere. I have two, but they are both earmarked for a Herrick Harrier (once I'm feeling brave enough). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT1 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 11 hours ago, treacle6773 said: Sorry @Jabba, I don't know how I missed your post. Unfortunately not. It'll be in 1:48. I got hold of the MA Op Telic pt.2 decals which include ZA553 albeit as was during the invasion of Iraq some years prior. Luckily it has the tail number in black AND white so these will be useable, but the "DI" designation is in the wrong colour (I would need them in white). And I'm still on the hunt for some 31Sqn markings. I'm hoping the new Revell GR4 Farewell might have the gold stars for the tail as well as the front fuselage. Look no further, i have the Italeri 1:48 Tornado GR1 and it has late 31 Sqn markings as shown in the Telic photo you have posted. If i were you i would wait for the Revell GR4 as the Italeri kit is something of a pain to make and is less detailed (you'd also have to convert to GR4 by adding the FLIR). I'm more than happy to post you the decals, the only part missing will be the RAF red and blue fin flash as i cut this up to fit an early 90's Harrier GR7. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted June 25, 2020 Author Share Posted June 25, 2020 10 hours ago, MT1 said: Look no further, i have the Italeri 1:48 Tornado GR1 and it has late 31 Sqn markings as shown in the Telic photo you have posted. If i were you i would wait for the Revell GR4 as the Italeri kit is something of a pain to make and is less detailed (you'd also have to convert to GR4 by adding the FLIR). I'm more than happy to post you the decals, the only part missing will be the RAF red and blue fin flash as i cut this up to fit an early 90's Harrier GR7. @MT1 That would be ideal. Thank you. PM inbound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NealParkes Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 On 6/24/2020 at 7:22 PM, treacle6773 said: Also, as my undercarriage recognition is still in its infancy, could I just confirm what it is carrying? (P-S) Sky Shadow 1500ltr tank TIALD Paveway III 1500ltr tank BOZ pod Nothing on the centre or rear shoulders It is a Paveway II that is being carried, I can’t tell from that angle though if it is an Enhanced PWII or not though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exdraken Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 23 hours ago, NealParkes said: It is a Paveway II that is being carried, I can’t tell from that angle though if it is an Enhanced PWII or not though. Hmm old targeting pod, paint scheme etc.... I would bet on laser guidance only... Same series of photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/20444/tornado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 I would say enhanced PW as you can see the steel bands holding the cable ducting on that go around the centre section of the bomb? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blimpyboy Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 On 6/25/2020 at 3:08 AM, treacle6773 said: It's wearing Sqn Markings! Someone must have realised that removing the markings won’t scare the SAMs away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exdraken Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 3 hours ago, Julien said: I would say enhanced PW as you can see the steel bands holding the cable ducting on that go around the centre section of the bomb? you are correct.... zoom in to the seeker head and you can make out the GPS domes as well 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treacle6773 Posted July 2, 2020 Author Share Posted July 2, 2020 On 24/06/2020 at 20:01, Richard E said: Almost there The external tanks are the larger 2,250 litre versions which were originally used by the Tornado F Mk.3 before being adopted by the GR fleet from 1991 It also looks like the Tornado in your picture is also carrying empty BOL dispensers... 5 hours ago, Julien said: I would say enhanced PW as you can see the steel bands holding the cable ducting on that go around the centre section of the bomb? So, a revised stores of: Sky Shadow 2250ltr tank BOL TIALD EPW II BOL 2250ltr tank BOZ pod Nothing on the centre or rear shoulders Does anybody know of any other typical loads that might spice this up a bit whilst still being an accurate representation? RAPTOR/Storm Shadow etc? I'm guessing no threat and therefore no requirement for ALARMs either? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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