Panavia Tornado MRCA RAF Postcard J16 1980s Jet Fighter Derbyshire Aerial View

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Item ID: 297248090477
eBay Seller ID: britishfareasttraders
eBay Store Link: View this item
Category: Collectables:Militaria:World War II (1939-1945):Photographs
Condition: In decent condition. Please check our images.

Panavia Tornado MRCA RAF Postcard J16 1980s Jet Fighter Derbyshire Aerial View

Thrilling image of Britain’s formidable Panavia Tornado MRCA — a stunning Cold War collectible for aviation and military history enthusiasts.

Measurements: approx. 8 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches

Dates: n/a

Condition: In decent condition, please see images. 

Internal notes: QC passed

Above the frost-dusted landscape of Derbyshire, the Panavia Tornado MRCA cuts a bold silhouette against the sky. Captured in dramatic flight, the aircraft’s sleek, angular lines shimmer under winter sunlight, highlighting the power and precision of Cold War-era aviation. The crew of two sit focused in the cockpit, framed by the Tornado’s distinctive variable-sweep wings and camouflaged fuselage. This is not merely a jet — it is a symbol of modern aerial might, frozen mid-action through the lens of photographer Richard Cooke.

Commissioned during the height of the Cold War, the Tornado Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) became a vital asset in NATO operations, famed for its twin Rolls-Royce RB199 turbofan engines and its impressive Mach 2 capabilities. This postcard, part of the After the Battle series (Postcard J16), was officially issued in collaboration with Britain’s Central Office of Information. The back of the card offers concise specifications, and the front delivers a visually striking, authentic period image — a rare snapshot of British aviation excellence in full flight.

To own this postcard is to hold a compelling fragment of Cold War history. Whether you’re a collector, historian, or former airman, this piece reminds us of the crucial technological strides and global tensions that defined the era. Preserving and sharing such imagery ensures that the bravery, engineering, and strategic importance of these machines are never forgotten.