The fighter jets ready to target IS in Syria

Operation Shader has eight Tornados based at RAF Akrotiri as part of the coalition attack on ISIS currently only in Iraq. They can fly at twice the speed of sound and cruise at a speed of eight miles a minute.

It is likely an extra two Tornadoes will be sent to Cyprus within minutes should the Government get the yes vote they seek.

Back in 2013 the same GR4 Tornadoes were primed and ready to take off from runways at RAF Marham when the vote was lost and their journeys abandoned.

Prime Minister David Cameron looks at an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet Credit: PA Wire

To supplement any strikes on ISIS in Syria six Eurofighter Typhoons will be deployed from RAF Lossiemouth. The Typhoons haven't been used in the fight against ISIS so far however they were key to operations in Libya in 2011.

The Typhoons, flown by a single crew, carry the Paveway bombs which are used to hit larger targets.

On the other hand the Tornadoes, despite being the oldest craft in the frontline British fleet, can carry both Paveway bombs and and Brimstone missiles and that is why there is such a wish to bring them to theatre over Syria.

The Brimstone is laser guided and has a seeker built into the warhead which makes it idea for use against moving targets.

Because that warhead is small it means the risk of collateral damage is reduced. An individual or part of a building could be targeted leaving those nearby or the rest of the building in tact.

Highly-accurate Brimstone 'fire and forget' missiles mounted on an RAF Tornado. Credit: MoD/Crown Copyright

The Tornado was first flown in 1974 and entered service in 1982. It has been used on operational duty every day since 1990, achieving a million flying hours in 2011.

It was originally designed to carry nuclear weapons in the Cold War. Now carries 2 bombs - Paveway 4 - and two Brimstone missiles. There is also a 27mm Mauser gun which fires at a rate of 1,800 rounds per minute or 30 rounds a second.

The pilot sits up front and fires the weapons. The weapon system operator at the back fixes the exact location for the target.

A full tank of fuel, Kerosene, is approximately 8.5 tonnes of fuel - similar to filling a family car up eighteen times.

Despite the jets being upgraded to the highest technical levels the three onboard cameras still record onto VHS tapes!