http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/25/mod_leak/
Eurofighter at risk of 'catastrophic failure'
By Lucy Sherriff
Published Tuesday 25th May 2004 16:17 GMT
Problems with the computer systems on board the Eurofighter jet,
signed into service with the RAF less than two weeks ago, could
cause a "catastrophic" failure in flight, according to a
confidential Ministry of Defence report leaked to former BBC
journalist Andrew Gilligan.
The report contained the findings and recommendations of test
pilots who had flown the jet for eight months. They concluded that
the problems are so bad that the plane should not be used for
complex manoeuvres, such as those in aerial combat, and should not
fly in cloud without a second, experienced, pilot on board.
Not a good finding for a plane whose slogan is: "Eurofighter
Typhoon. Nothing stands in its way!"
The Eurofighter is designed to be intentionally aerodynamically
unstable. This makes it more agile, particularly at supersonic
speeds; reduces drag; and gives it an overall increase in lift.
However, this also means it can't be flown without the computerised
Flight Control System.
Rather unfortunate, then, that report reveals "corruption" of
the
computers could make it switch from flight mode to ground mode,
while the plane is flying. The report says "It is recommended as
essential that the cause of this fault are investigated, understood
and if necessary rectified".
"It is not surprising this report found safety concerns," a
spokeswoman for the MOD told El Reg. "That is exactly what we
commissioned it for. Gilligan has got the wrong end of the
stick."
There is no way, the MOD says, it would release a plane for service
if there were still concerns over its safety, and maintains it has
dealt with all the problems identified in the report. "Safety is
paramount", the spokeswoman added.
However, Gilligan cites RAF sources saying that while some of the
recommendations raised by Qinetiq had been accepted, others, such
as the limitation on flying in cloud, had not.
QinetiQ, the company which produced the report, said that the
testing and development was an ongoing process.
The plane has been given an initial release, and the MOD has taken
delivery of six aircraft which will be used for training purposes.
These will be two seater planes, with the back seat being for the
instrutor. The final version will be a single seater.
The Eurofighter is 15.9m long, and has a 10.35m wingspan. Its two
engines, each capable of generating 20,000lbs of thrust, propel it
from the ground to 35,000 feet and mach 1.5 in less than 2.5
minutes.
The jet, which is nearly four and half years late already,
and
£2.3bn over budget, is expected to make it into full service at RAF
Conningsby in June 2006. ®
