Eurofighter Typhoon

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EF-2000
Description
RoleMultirole fighter
Crew1
First Flight27 March 1994
Entered ServiceJune 30, 2003
Number built(Still in production)
ManufacturerEurofighter GmbH
Dimensions
Length15.96 m52 ft 4 in
Wingspan11.28 m37 ft
Height5.28 m 17 ft 4 in
Wing area51.2 m²551.1 ft²
Weights
Empty11150 kg24582 lb
Maximum takeoff weight16000 kg35274 lb
Powerplant
EnginesTwo Eurojet EJ200 Turbojets
Thrust60 kN (each)13490 lbf (each)
Thrust (AB)90 kN (each)20250 lbf (each)
Performance
Maximum speedMach 2.0
Service ceiling16765 m55000 ft
G-limit+9-3



Contents

History

The program began with the outline of a staff target for a common combat aircraft issued December 1983 by the air chiefs of staff of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK. The initial feasibility study was launched July 1984. France withdrew from the program July 1985, prompting a shareholdings readjustment to 33 per cent each to UK and Germany, 21 per cent Italy and 13 per cent Spain. The project definition phase was completed September 1986, with the definitive ESR-D (European Staff Requirement - Development) issued September 1987, giving military requirements in greater detail. The definition refinement and risk reduction stage was completed December 1987. The main engine and weapons system development contracts were signed 23 November 1988.

The programme was re-examined in 1992 following German demands for a substantial cost reduction and studies of alternative proposals, which were submitted in October 1992, although none was adopted. Italy and Spain froze EFA work mid-October. At the Defence ministers' conference of 10 December 1992 the aircraft was relaunched as Eurofighter 2000, delaying it’s service entry by three years, to 2000, and allowing Germany to incorporate off-shelf avionics, lower standard of defensive aids and other deletions to effect 30 per cent price cut. By 1996, however, these downgrades had been abandoned and Eurofighter GmbH was planning for German production almost identical to the common standard.

Additional difficulties resulted from German under-funding and demands for further cost cuts. Political re-apportionment of production work-shares was negotiated in 1995, following the reduction of the German requirement. The Revised European Staff Requirement - Development was signed by the four air forces on 21 January 1994 and re-orientation of the programme agreed in MoU 4, July 1995. MoU 5, covering work-shares, was delayed to 1996 by German claims for 30 per cent, despite their 140 aircraft requirement represented only 23 per cent of the total production. A compromise, agreed on in January 1996, involves an addition of at least 40 (and possibly up to 60) ground attack aircraft to the German requirement after 2012 and a reduction of UK needs to 232. Work-shares for the production phase finally agreed on as 30 per cent to Germany, 37 per cent to UK, 19 per cent to Italy and 14 per cent to Spain. However, for the first 148 aircraft, agreed 1998, average shares are 30, 36.33, 20 and 13.67 per cent, respectively. Initial production details contained in Quotation 4, which was submitted in March 1996: this envisaged the start of manufacturing in January 1998 and (after a minor restructuring) production of three in 2001, 12 in 2002, 37 in 2003, 46 in 2004 and 52 per year thereafter.

Eurofighter GmbH held open the terms of Quotation 4 throughout 1996 as Germany repeatedly postponed a production decision as a consequence of financial constraints. UK was first to declare a firm production commitment, on 2 September 1996, and Spain followed on 21 October 1996, when terms for start-up funding were agreed on with the industry. All four governments declared support for a production launch on 5 December 1996, although Germany and Italy did not grant funds until 26 November and 9 December 1997, respectively, allowing the defence ministers' conference on 22 December 1997 to launch the production phase. First metal for a production aircraft was cut at DASA's Augsburg plant in May 1998. Each partner nation is assembling its own aircraft on lines at Manching (Germany), operational from December 2000, Caselle (Italy), operational November 2000, Getafe (Spain), operational June 2001 (officially 26 July 2001) and Warton (UK), operational September 2000. Locations for assembly of the export aircraft are yet to be announced. The assembly of major components for the first production aircraft began at Augsburg (Germany) in February 1999 and Caselle in March, final assembly of this aircraft began at Warton on 8 September 2000 following the arrival of the centre fuselage from Germany on 31 August.

After the various political delays were overcome, the first (instrumented) production aircraft flew (in Italy) on 5 April 2002. The initial “delivery” was a “presentation” of the first full production aircraft GT001/98+31 to the Luftwaffe at the manufacturer's German plant, the aircraft not flying until 13 February 2003, following which, on 17 February, it was delivered to a Luftwaffe technical school for ground crew familiarisation. Also by 17 February, a full production (two-seat) aircraft had flown in each of the four participating countries. On 30 June 2003 the Type Acceptance certificate was issued and the aircraft was formally handed over to participating air arms at national ceremonies.

The four partner air forces initially agreed to name their aircraft Eurofighter (or EF2000), using the Typhoon name for export marketing. However, on 23 July 2002, the RAF also adopted Typhoon during a ceremony at the Farnborough Air Show. The production plan and serial system can be found here.

Versions

Production is divided into three tranches. Tranches are further divided up into production standard/capability 'blocks' and funding/procurement 'batches'. Single seaters are known to the RAF as Typhoon F2 and Typhoon FGR4 and to the Spanish Air Force as C.16. The dual seaters are combat capable conversion trainers with a slightly reduced internal fuel capacity. Known to the RAF as Typhoon T1 (Tranche 1)), Typhoon T1A (Tranche 2), Typhoon T.3 (Tranche 1 Block 5 standard with limited air-to-ground capability) and to the Spanish Air Force as CE.16.

Tranche 1

Initial production run, covering 148 aircraft for Austria (15), Germany (33), Italy (28), Saudi Arabia (1), Spain (19) and the United Kingdom (52). The Eurofighter FGR4, used by the RAF is a Tranche 1, Block 5. Batch 1 covered Block 1, but Batch 2 covered Blocks 2, 2B and 5. All older tranche 1 aircraft will be brought to block 5 standard via the R2 upgrade.

Batch 1

Block 1

Initial Operational Capability and basic Air Defence Capability. Phase 3 FCS, EJ200 MK101 engines, no refuelling probe and gun, PSP1 software for initial air combat training, no DASS, IFF, PIRATE, MIDS and some other equipment. Weapon options limited to 1x centre line tank, 2 AIM-9L Sidewinder and 4x AIM-120B AMRAAM. Block 1B and Block 1C (through R1 upgrade from april/may 2005) have addition of the refueling probe and gun, changes to the electrical systems and software updates.

Batch 2

Block 2

Initial air-to-air capabilities. Block 2 aircraft, introduced 2004/2005, have EJ200 Mk.101 FOC engines, Phase 3 FCS with DRF and ALSR, gun & refueling probe from start, initial autopilot and DVI, enhanced air-to-air modes for Captor-C radar, DASS with MAWS, ESM & ECM, MIDS, initial sensor fusion, DME-P, GPWS & MLS, no seperate TACAN (now incorporated by the MIDS). Weapons options enhanced with Diehl-BGT IRIS-T with (analogue interface). Block 2B introduced in 2006, offered full air-to-air capabilities, including Phase 4 FCS with AMLS (full carefree handling for air-to-air manoeuvring, PSP3 software, Ariel TRD, improved sensor fusion. Weapon options enhanced with AIM-120C-5 and the use of up to 3x fuel tanks, 4x SRAAM and 6x MRAAM.

Block 5

Introduced 2007. Full Operational Capability (FOC) by combining existing air-to-air role with air-to-ground capabilities. RAF designation Typhoon FGR4. Phase 5 FCS full performance envelope & AG munitions handling, PSP4 software, full autopilot and DVI, improved GPS, Captor-C radar with initial air-to-ground modes, full DASS including LWR, automated chaff/flare dispenser and Sky Buzzer TRD (Germany only), initial PIRATE, full sensor fusion. New weapon options include gun for air-to-ground use, Paveway II and GBU-10/16. The RAF received an Austere Package with Enhanced Paveway II and Litening III targeting pod.

Tranche 2

Second production run, covering 299 aircraft for Germany (79), Italy (47), Saudi Arabia (48), Spain (34) and the United Kingdom (67). Tranche 2 was originally supposed to consist of the three batches 3, 4 and 5 in which aircraft of the standards block 8, 10 and 15 should have been produced with the latter 2 featuring the EOC 1 & 2. EOC 1 & 2 were eventually replaced by P1E & P2E, but just P1E has been contracted (March 30th 2007) and P2E has been abandoned in favour for incremental upgrades similar to the RAFs austere package for block 5 aircraft.

Batch 3

Block 8

Introduced in 2008, the block 8 aircraft have a strengthed airframe, new engine controls (DECMU), new mission computers, Captor-D radar (new components including PowerPC processor), new DASS/Praetorian computers and ESM/ECM antennas, PSP4 software is initially used. No austere package for RAF block 8 aircraft. Block 8B, introduced 2010, received the final software revision SRP 4.3.

Block 9

Planned production block, also designated as Phase 1 Enhancments. New software based on RTOS, improved MMI including display formats for air-to-ground weapons, ability to attack air-to-air targets while continuing the air-to-ground, new radios, improved MIDS (increased transfer rates; improved communication with ground units), improved DASS (new ESM/ECM, maybe improved TRD), Captor-D radar with additional air-to-ground modes, new GPS (probably DGPS), IFF mode 5, unspecified external changes (maybe Apex strakes or already CFTs). New weapon options planned, such as full Litening II/III targeting capabilities, IRIS-T (digital),, EGBU-16 Paveway and Paveway IV.

Block 10

Loaded with EOC 1 (advanced multi role step 1) software. Air-to-air capabilities include the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM, IRIS-T digital. Air-to-ground options include GPS-controlled weapons, BAe ALARM, Paveway III/IV and the Litening III targeting pod. Block 10 flight testing started in April 2010.

Block 15

Loaded with EOC 2 (advanced multi role step 2) software. Air-to-air options include the Meteor. Air-to-ground capabilities include the Taurus, Storm Shadow and Brimstone.

Tranche 3

Contract approval was given in 2009 to produce a combined 112 aircraft under Tranche 3A, covering 112 aircraft for Germany (31), Italy (21), Saudi Arabia (24), Spain (20) and the United Kingdom (40). The final planned production batch is called Tranche 3B, but could not be exercised due to budget constraints. Tranche 3 was originally supposed to consist of the batches 6 & 7 with aircraft being produced in the so called block 20 & 25 configurations. As there were changes to T2 designations it might be that T3 aircraft will be designated differently. Capabilities has not been specified, but a number of options exists, such as Captor-E AESA (with mechanical sweeping options in addition), stronger engines (not necessarily designated EJ230 or EJ270), 3D TVC (a new nozzle based on the current one is studied at the moment, though no requirement exists within the customers).

Description

Power Plant

Two Eurojet EJ200 advanced technology turbofans each of approximately 60 kN (13,490 lb st) dry and 90 kN (20,250 lb) nominal thrust with afterburning, mounted side by side in the rear fuselage with ventral intakes. The first two development aircraft were originally powered by two RB199-122 (Mk 104E) afterburning turbofans (each more than 71.2 kN or 16,000 lb st). Both aircraft were retrofitted with EJ200s in 1998.

Fuel

The internal fuel capacity is classified, but believed to total approximately 5,700 litres (1,506 US gallons or 1,254 Imp gallons) in two fuselage tanks and two integral wing tanks. The two-seat trainer lacks the forward transfer tank, but partly offsets the loss of capacity with an auxiliary tank in the enlarged spine. Provision for in-flight refuelling and up to three suspended, external fuel tanks: two 1,000 litre (264 US gallon or 220 Imp gallon) or 2,000 litre (528 US gallon or 440 Imp gallon) underwing, plus one 1,000 litre (264 US gallon or 220 Imp gallon) centreline tank. Only the smaller tanks are rated for supersonic flight. In early 1998, the UK was reported to be designing upper fuselage conformal tanks to increase combat radius to 1,500 n miles (2,778 km or 1,726 miles). The work was subcontracted to GKN Engage in Australia. Wind tunnel trials of the conformal tanks, with a size of 1,500 litres (396 US gallons or 330 Imp gallons) each, providing for an additional total of 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) of fuel, for 25 per cent range increase, were completed May 2002. The conformal tanks can be installed or removed in 75 minutes. Tranche 2 aircraft have structural and piping modifications to accept the conformal tanks.

Accommodation

Pilot(s) on a Martin-Baker Mk 16A zero/zero ejection seat(s). Single-piece Aerospace Composite windscreen and single-piece, rear-hinged canopy on both versions. Optional liquid-cooled vest for pilot. Helmet-mounted display. The Anti-g trousers are augmented by a pressure breathing system.

Armament options

A total of 13 external stores stations: five (including one wet) under the fuselage and four (including one wet) under each wing. Internally mounted 27 mm Mauser BK 27 gun on starboard side with 150 rounds. Armament options for several mission profiles. Planned weapons (with maximum load in parentheses) include:

Typical weapon combinations for specific roles could include the following:

  • Air superiority: Six BVRAAMs, two SRAAMs, internal cannon, plus two 2,000 litre and one 1,000 litre external fuel tanks.
  • Interdictor/Strike: Two cruise missiles; four BVRAAMs, internal cannon plus two 2,000 litre and one 1,000 litre tanks.
  • Defence suppression: Six ARMs, four BVRAAMs, two SRAAMs, internal cannon and centreline 1,000 litre tank.
  • Multirole: Two Paveway LGBs, two ARMs, three BVRAAMs, two SRAAMs, internal cannon, laser designation pod and two 2,000 litre and one 1,000 litre tanks.
  • Close air support: Eighteen MBDA Brimstones, four BVRAAMs, two SRAAMs, internal cannon and one 1,000 litre centreline tank.
  • Maritime attack: Six ASMs, four BVRAAMs, two SRAAMs, internal cannon and one 1,000 litre centreline tank.

Operators

(Missed) Prospects

  • Greece: plus 30 option, confirmed April 1999. The Eurofighter Office Athens opened July 1999. Intentions were confirmed March 2000. Unfortunately the planned signing of contracts did not occur and instead the purchase was put on hold till after the Olympic games in 2004
  • South Korea: RFP received June 1999. Interest not pursued, F-15K selected
  • Norway: RFP received 15 February 1999. The competition was suspended in 2000, but an industrial participation agreement was signed 28 January 2003 and several Norwegian companies received subcontracts.
  • Australia: Interest not pursued, F-35 JSF selected.
  • Czech Republic: Interest not pursued, Gripen selected.
  • Netherlands: Decision 2006 (F-35 JSF favourite for selection)
  • Singapore: RFI response submitted late 1999. Shortlisted 10 October 2003 (with Rafale and F-15). In april 2006 however, the Typhoon was dropped from the selection, with the Rafale and F-15SG making up the final candidates, the latter eventually winning the competition

Images

Prototype EF2000, DA1

Prototype EF2000, DA1

Typhoon T mk.1 ZJ809 29(R)sq RAF

Two Luftwaffe EF2000's in a flyby

RAF Typhoon in high speed fly-by

Italian AF Typhoon during its demo at the Paris Airshow

More information

External links

Sources

Scramble magazine

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