All Tornado IDS operators have some fully combat-capable dual-control Tornados for conversion and continuation training. In RAF service, these 'twin-stickers' are given the GR.4(T) designation. With the upgrade of the GR.1 to GR.4 standard, similarly the GR.1(T) became the GR.4(T).
Upgrades to the more than twenty-year old aircraft included FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed), a wide-angle HUD (Heads-Up Display), improved cockpit displays, NVG (Night Vision Goggles) capabilities, new avionics and weapons systems, updated computer systems, and a Global Positioning System receiver. The updated weapons system allowed integration of the latest offensive weapons, for example the Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles and reconnaissance equipment such as the RAPTOR pod. As of late 2006, the GR.4 fleet is being fitted with a new 12.8-inch Multi-function display in the rear cockpit to replace the circular Combined Radar and Projected Map Display (CRPMD): The BAE Systems Tornado Advanced Radar Display Information System (TARDIS) is an Active-matrix liquid crystal display. TARDIS is currently being fitted to aircraft of the Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit, before being fitted to all GR.4 aircraft.
- Country of Origin:
United Kingdom / Germany / Italy
- First Flight:
1997
- Initial Service Date:
1998
- No. Built:
30
- No. In Service:
28
- No. of Hardpoints:
8
- Crew:
2