Eurofighter News Update

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Announce Formal Opening of the International Weapon System Support Centre (IWSSC) 28 March 2003

(Hallbergmoos 28 March, 2003) Eurofighter GmbH today announced the formal opening of the joint industry-operator International Weapon System Support Centre (IWSSC) in Hallbergmoos, Germany. The IWSSC is the International organisation through which Industry - represented by Eurofighter and Eurojet - and the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System operator community - represented by NETMA and the four Eurofighter Partner Nation Air Forces - provide and undertake technical In-Service Support of all Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System products.

This event marks the first formal operational step in establishing the joint service and support network for the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System ahead of Entry to Service later in the year.

Commenting on events CEO Eurofighter GmbH, Filippo Bagnato stated The IWSSC represents a step change in the way support for an advanced system, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System, is conducted throughout its 40-plus years of service life. The opening of the Centre clearly demonstrates the advanced stage of our Entry to Service plans and our long term commitment to the success of the programme both in service and for future enhancements.

Commenting for NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), General Emilio Poyo Guerrero stated The opening of the IWSSC is a positive step forward in our partnership with industry to provide effective maintenance and support to the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System throughout its service life.

http://www.eurofighter.com/news/latestnews.asp

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Typhoon Lightning Strike Success 20 June 2003

(Hallbergmoos - 10 June, 2003) Eurofighter GmbH announced the successful completion of a range of Lightning Strike Tests on the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System required as part of the Type Acceptance clearance ahead of Entry in to Service with the four partner nations Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The tests, carried out at BAE SYSTEMS Warton, were performed on a Series Production Aircraft (SPA) BT002.

Eurofighter Typhoon successfully withstood a number of 200,000 Amp simulated lightning strikes during tests in the BAE SYSTEMS Electronic Warfare Test Facility at Warton, United Kingdom. This is the highest strike the Weapon Systems specification requires and also meets the necessary requirement for Type Acceptance.

The testing, using a series production standard aircraft, is required to ensure that all systems on the aircraft remain operational in the event of the aircraft being struck by lightning.

Over the test programme, the aircraft ran live with all necessary systems switched on. During the test the aircraft received hundreds of strikes of between 20k and 150k Amps before reaching the specified 200k Amp strike.

All testing to date has been conducted with the simulated strike entering at the nose and exiting at the engines or wing-tips - two of the most likely scenarios. The next stage is to computer model a further 23 entry/exit point scenarios to ensure system integrity is maintained in all possible combinations of entry and exit.

Tony Llewellyn, Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Technologist at BAE SYSTEMS said: The Eurofighter Typhoon places a greater reliance on electronics and with a large percentage of the aircraft being carbon fibre, which is electrically resistive, it is much more difficult to protect the aircraft compared with its predecessors, which have a metal structure.

Chris Jones, Lightning Technologist at BAE SYSTEMS added We believe that this is the first time ever in a clearance programme that an aircraft with all systems powered has been subjected to a 200k Amp simulated lightning strike and it is a great achievement for everyone involved that no critical systems effects resulted.

The 200k Amp limit covers more than 99.9% of all lightning strikes to aircraft flying anywhere in the world, and on average a military aircraft gets struck by lightning twice in its entire life, so the chances of an aircraft ever being hit by a 200k Amp bolt are small. BT002 will have received 1,600 strikes by the time testing is complete, and we have successfully proved that Eurofighter Typhoon is more than capable of withstanding such a strike.

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Typhoon Mass Matters 10 June 2003

Hallbergmoos 10 June 2003) In preparation for Type Acceptance and the start of delivery of the first production aircraft to the Eurofighter Partner Nations, Eurofighter Typhoon has passed a significant milestone by achieving its contracted mass requirement. Achieving aircraft mass requirements is fundamental in the design and production of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System and any air system.

This important engineering benchmark will allow the partner air forces to maximise the performance and carriage capability of the weapon system. At the same time it will contribute to providing a robust product capable of significant growth to adopt the future capability requirements of the Partner Air Forces.

The first four production standard Eurofighter Typhoon SPAs (two seat variants) have now been weighed in preparation for hand over to the four Air Forces. The results show that all four production aircraft have measured values below the contracted aircraft mass requirements.

The contracted Basic Mass Empty (BME) for the single seat aircraft is 11 tonnes with the two seat aircraft 700 kg heavier. Based on these weighings Eurofighter is confident that all Tranche 1 aircraft will be within the contracted mass requirements.

From the outset the mass of the aircraft was seen as a very critical issue and one that could make the difference between success or failure of the project. For this reason Eurofighter was given overall responsibility to manage the total aircraft mass control. As the weapon system evolved through development and into production we have seen many challenges which have tested the skills of all concerned.

Commenting on events Filippo Bagnato, CEO Eurofighter GmbH, stated This is, perhaps, the first time in aviation history that a military aircraft has been developed within such strict mass control limits. The results we are witnessing today are a testament to the engineering discipline applied by all of the Eurofighter

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Signs Key Support Contract 17 July 2003

Eurofighter GmbH announces the signature of a contract that covers in service support services for an Initial Operational Phase. The contract, designated PC11, is valued at more than Euro 120 million in this first phase. The Eurofighter Typhoon support concept is based on a close collaboration between industry and partner air forces. It sets out to provide a unique and highly responsive support network that will significantly reduce the cost of ownership of the weapon system. The provision of ILS support services through PC11 is another example of this partnership at work.

The PC11 contract defines a range of activities and services to be provided by Eurofighter to support the operation of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System during the in-service Operational Phase 1A (Learning Phase). The contract also includes a description of activities which need to be carried out to prepare for future Operational Phases.

The work covered by this contract is an integral part of the Customers requirements for Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System.

In-Service Support Services
Design Authority Services (DAS) - The management and preparation of modifications under discrete task conditions, engineering tasks and sustaining activities. This work must be undertaken by the Design Authorities (DA) in order to maintain the airworthiness, safety, integrity and configuration control of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System.

Technical Logistics Services (TLS) - These services provide technical assistance to the Partner Air Forces for their chosen operational and maintenance concepts. Although DA knowledge is desirable to undertake these services, it is not essential.

Supply Logistics Services (SLS) - These services embrace the authorised management and execution of provisioning, procurement and progression of support items (including spares) to guarantee the operational capabilities of the Weapon System not already covered by existing contracts.

Integrated Logistics Support Services (ILSS) Provide analysis of the support implications resulting from changes beyond the Full Operation Capability (FOC) standard of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. This includes related items of Support Equipment, review of support arrangements in the light of in-service experience and development of plans to deliver consistent and compatible support items.

PC 11 is a key contract to support entry in to service for the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. Currently the International Weapons Support System the overarching support infrastructure for Eurofighter Typhoon, is being established across the partner nations linked by a co-ordination Centre (IWSSC) at Eurofighter in Germany. At the same time National Support Centres have begun the task of preparing for the arrival of the first Series Production Aircraft following the signature of Type Acceptance on 30 June, 2003.

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Typhoon DA1 Air-to-Air Refueling 21 July 2003

Eurofighter GmbH has carried out in-flight refuelling trails with a Eurofighter Typhoon Development Aircraft (DA1) and a B707 tanker aircraft of the Spanish Air Force. The trials were undertaken by EADS CASA in Spain.

During the flight test a range of approach manoeuvres were performed and the aircraft simulated different flight conditions. The docking manoeuvres were achieved perfectly in all cases and fulfilled the test requirements.

The test was carried out in a specifically controlled air space at 15,000 feet.

Similar tests were carried out last year using a Spanish Air Force tanker aircraft - Hercules KC130H.

Within the development programme one of the objectives of the flight tests is to evaluate the Eurofighter Typhoons behaviour and performance during in-flight refuelling operations.

http://www.eurofighter.com/News/

images are here...kinda big...soooo...url

http://www.eurofighter.com/Images/News/2003.07.21.AirRefueling1Large.jpg

http://www.eurofighter.com/Images/News/2003.07.21.AirRefueling2Large.jpg

http://www.eurofighter.com/Images/News/2003.07.21.AirRefueling3Large.jpg

http://www.eurofighter.com/Images/News/2003.07.21.AirRefueling4Large.jpg

Viper52 SG

Oh man….look at the closeup…paints flaking pretty bad with many patches of yellow primer showing, the flight testing must be on one heck of a punishing schedule

Blockhead SG

Ok, stupid question:
Anyone know if the Eurofighter can be refuelled using the boom method, instead of just the drogue method as shown in the pics? Thanks.

Viper52 SG

No, the Typhoon can only be refuelled by the probe and basket method. The only ones who use the boom and receptacle is the US Air Force, because of it's higher fuel transfer rate, needed for large aircraft like SR-71, B-52, B-1 and B-2 etc so the USAF adopted the method fleet-wide. Foreign users only use this method because they buy aircraft the USAF uses (eg non-US F-16 users), and its not economical/possible to change the bird to the probe method unless they have lots of a type to justify modifying their aircraft (eg Israel and the F-4E).

Now the downside to the boom and receptacle method is at separation quite a bit of fuel is wasted.

And no, the question is not stupid Wink

duotiga83 SG

German Air Force take Delivery of First Series Production Eurofighter 04 August 2003

Today, Eurofighter GmbH announced the delivery of the first Series Production Aircraft (SPA) to the German Air Force. Following Four Nation Type Acceptance of the Eurofighter Typhoon on 30 June, 2003, the partner Air Forces in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have been working with industry partners to provide individual national clearances that will allow the aircraft to begin their service life.

Germany is the first partner country to formally accept delivery of Eurofighter for service use. Initially the aircraft, designated Eurofighter GT003, will be used for Service Pilot Instructor Training based at Manching in Southern Germany. Later in the year German Air Force Eurofighter aircraft will be delivered to Laage in Northern Germany were the process of integration to the operational fleet will commence. Based on a four nation Government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 1998 that covers a production run of 620, Germany will receive 180 Eurofighter that will begin to replace existing MiG-29, F-4 Phantom and Tornado aircraft.

During the summer deliveries to the other partner Air Forces will commence.

Commenting on events, Filippo Bagnato Chief Executive Officer, Eurofighter stated. This is a major step forward in our programme that clearly demonstrates the maturity of the Eurofighter Weapon System. Following on from Type Acceptance this event marks our commitment to delivery of this exceptional weapon system to the Air Forces of the partner nations.

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Announces Further Sale to Austria 21 August 2003

The contract for 18 Eurofighter Typhoon will become effective on Friday in Vienna following signature of relevant legislation by the Federal President and publication in the Federal Gazette.

Eurofighter Chief Executive Filippo Bagnato said: I welcome this decision by the Austrian Government to join the Eurofighter programme and look forward to working together with our new partner. This contract is a significant step for Eurofighter in providing a superior European alternative for the next generation on fighter aircraft.

Austria selected the aircraft following a protracted evaluation of technical, commercial and industrial partnership aspects of the Eurofighter proposal. Their decision gives a clear signal of their interest to strengthen European security structures whilst extending European industrial cooperation.

Through a programme of shared resources, joint training and support Eurofighter will be a key element in the Austrian Armed Forces future.

Eurofighter is delighted to have Austria on board as partner. This is yet another of many customers who are recognizing the outstanding capability of the most advanced aircraft of its kind in service today.

EF GmbH together with the partner companies in the consortium, Eurojet and the EF vendors are fully committed to timely deliver to the Austrian Air Force the outstanding capabilities of the Eurofighter Weapon System and to secure implementation of the related offset.

The Eurofighter commitment is supported by the recent type certification released by the participating nations, the delivery of the first production aircraft and by the scale of the industrial base of the largest European Defence Programme.

cavsg SG

Typhoon Carriage Trials of IRIS-T Get Underway
Aviation Week & Space Technology
09/08/2003, page 38

Germany launches effort to add IRIS-T missile to Typhoon

IRIS Movement

Integration of the German-led IRIS-T short-range imaging-infrared guided air-to-air missile has begun on the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft. The flight test campaign started Aug. 27 with Typhoon development aircraft 1 (DA1) being used to begin captive carry trials of the weapon, with two missiles fitted on the outboard tip stub stations of the aircraft. Integration of the missile on the Typhoon will culminate in five firing trials later this year to qualify IRIS-T on the aircraft. Germany, Italy and Spain are purchasing the IRIS-T as the primary short-range missile for the Typhoon, with the weapon succeeding the AIM-9 Sidewinder in their national inventories. Industrial lead on the six-nation program is Bodenseewerk Geratetechnik. Besides three of the Typhoon nations, Norway, Greece and Sweden are also involved in the development program.

kopiosatu SG

wow, that's alot of things to remove before flight man Laughing

duotiga83 SG

Source : - www.eurofighter.com

Spanish Air Force take Delivery of First Series Production Eurofighter 05 September 2003

Today, Eurofighter GmbH announced the formal delivery of the first Series Production Aircraft (SPA) to the Spanish Air Force. Following Four Nation Type Acceptance of the Eurofighter Typhoon on 30 June, 2003, the partner Air Forces in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have been working with industry partners to provide individual national clearances that will allow the aircraft to begin their service life.

Spain is the second partner country to formally accept delivery of Eurofighter for service use. Initially, the aircraft, designated Eurofighter Typhoon ST001, will be used for Service Pilot Instructor Training based at Getafe, in Central Spain. Later, the aircraft will be delivered to the Spanish Air Force Base of Moron in Southern Spain. Based on a four nation Government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 1998 that covers a production run of 620, Spain will receive 87 Eurofighter Typhoons that will begin to replace existing Mirage F-1C aircraft.

By the end of 2003 the Spanish Air Force is expected to receive four Eurofighter aircraft.

Deliveries to the partner Air Forces of Italy and the United Kingdom will commence shortly.

Commenting on events, Filippo Bagnato Chief Executive Officer, Eurofighter GmbH stated. This event marks a significant achievement in the efforts and investment by Spanish and European industry to deliver an outstanding Weapon System. The proceess of delivery and introduction of Eurofighter Typhoon to operational service represents the highest priority of our nations and industry.

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Typhoon METEOR Integration Trials Commence 01 October 2003

Eurofighter GmbH announced the start of integration of the METEOR Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile to the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System, following recent fit and form trials at BAE SYSTEMS Warton facility. The trials were conducted with a representative METEOR missile and Eurofighter Typhoon IPA1.

The ground tests were conducted by a joint BAE SYSTEMS and MBDA team in a first phase of fit and form compatibility checks with the underfuselage MEL stations plus MFRL. The trials proved successful with no clearance or access problems.

METEOR trials will include flight trials in support of the Meteor Development programme which will be conducted in 2005.

METEOR is planned for introduction to service with Eurofighter Typhoon fleets for Enhanced Operational Clearance. In operational service Eurofighter will be able to carry up to six METEOR missiles designed to optimise Beyond Visual Range engagement performance with a new generation missile. Clearance for full METEOR capability is included with Tranche 2 enhancements currently under negotiation for signature at the end of 2003.

Commenting on the trials, Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer, Eurofighter GmbH stated The combination of the METEOR missile with Eurofighter Typhoon will represent a quantum leap in the BVR combat capability of the Weapon System. This important milestone is also a sign of the close co-operation between the Europes leading fighter aircraft and missile industries. Eurofighter Typhoon is specifically designed to take maximum advantage of a range of modern weapons offering complete flexibility and choice to the partner air forces and to a wide range of export customer.

METEOR is a next-generation, Active Radar Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air weapon system that provides superior operational capability in all future combat scenarios. The system is being developed under the prime contractorship of MBDA. The METEOR team, which won the BVRAAM competition in May 2000, includes Europe's leading guided weapons companies: MBDA, EADS CASA, INMIZE and Saab Dynamics.

duotiga83 SG

Eurofighter Squadron Designation in Spain 16 October 2003

Eurofighter GmbH announced the official designation of the first Eurofighter Squadron in Spain at an official ceremony attended by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I. During the ceremony the Chief of the Spanish Air Force, General Eduardo González-Gallarza, handed over the first Spanish Eurofighter to Colonel Javier Salto, Commander of Wing 11, the first Eurofighter Squadron to be formed in Spain. In Spanish service Eurofighter is designated CE.16 Eurofighter the tail number of the first aircraft being CE16-01. This is the first of 87 Eurofighter swing-role fighter aircraft destined for Spanish Air Force service.

cavsg SG

'Prancing Horses'' race at Grosseto AFB
Schumachers Ferrari and Eurofighter will compete [08/11/03 - 00:31]
Eurofighter aircraft and Ferrari F2003-GA will take off together December 11, 2003 from the runways of Grosseto AFB, home of the 4th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force.

The world champion Formula 1 car and the fighter jet, built by four European nations (Italy, with Alenia Aeronautica of Finmeccanica, Spain, Germany and Great Britain), will perform acceleration runs on distances between 500 and 1,500 meters.

The red car will be driven by the six times world champion Michael Schumacher, while the cockpit of the Eurofighter will be taken by Maurizio Cheli, Alenia chief test pilot, former Italian Air Force fighter pilot and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut.

Hon. Filippo Berselli, Undersecretary of Defence, and high representatives of ITAF, Alenia and Ferrari will be present during the show. The day will start with a historical challenge between a Caproni 100 aircraft and an Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 on a 20-kilometre distance inside the airbase.

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/031108003404.shtml

IAF SG

i bet the suits at RSAF will closely watch this event Razz

duotiga83 SG

this is cool Cool

SlowPoke SG

It was rumoured that there was an unofficial drag race between an RSAF F-16A and a Honda CBR900 Fireblade in TAB some years back.