Italeri 2521 - 1:32 Tornado GR.1 Desert Storm

1:32 scale plastic model kit of the Panavia Tornado GR.1 “Desert Storm”

The Italeri 2521 kit reproduces the Panavia Tornado GR.1 — the Royal Air Force’s main strike aircraft during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. This large-scale model captures the distinctive look and power of the Tornado in its desert camouflage, representing aircraft that flew combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:32
• Model length: approx. 52 cm
• Manufacturer: Italeri
• Difficulty level: intermediate / advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. Assembly required.

About the build:

This Italeri large-scale kit includes finely molded plastic parts with full interior detail, a two-seat cockpit, movable variable-geometry wings, and a wide array of external stores — including bombs, guided missiles, and fuel tanks. The decal sheet provides multiple authentic RAF markings from the 1991 Gulf War. The model can be displayed with wings extended or swept, with landing gear up or down, offering high realism and display potential.

Recommended tools:

• Modeling knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sanding papers
• Fine brushes or airbrush
• Plastic cement
• Acrylic or enamel paints in RAF Desert Storm colors (sand, grey, black, metallic)

About the Panavia Tornado GR.1:

The Panavia Tornado was a multinational project developed jointly by the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The GR.1 version served as a low-level strike and interdiction aircraft for the RAF. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Tornado GR.1s carried out precision bombing missions against airfields, radar stations, and infrastructure targets. Known for their speed, variable-sweep wings, and advanced avionics, the Tornado GR.1 aircraft played a crucial role in the success of the coalition air campaign.

Aircraft data:

• Manufacturer: Panavia Aircraft GmbH (UK / Germany / Italy)
• Crew: 2
• Engines: 2 × Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk.103
• Maximum speed: approx. 2400 km/h (Mach 2.2)
• Range: approx. 1400 km (combat radius)
• Armament: 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon, bombs, rockets, guided missiles
• Length: approx. 16.7 m
• Wingspan: 13.9 m (extended)

About Italeri:

Italeri is a leading Italian manufacturer of high-quality plastic model kits, well known for their accuracy and level of detail. Their 1:32 aircraft series combines precise engineering with rich surface detail, making them popular among advanced modelers and collectors alike.