Introduction of Eurofighter

Eurofighter “Typhoon” was a product from Europe European Combat Aircraft (ECA) study group (UK, Germany, Italy and Spain participating). Eurofighter Typhoon is shining example of European co-operation between four European countries, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Production is on a work share basis, according to the number of aircraft each has ordered and is carried out by EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE SYSTEMS.

Eurofighter is a single-seat, twin-engine, agile combat aircraft which will be used in the air-to-air, air-to-ground and tactical reconnaissance roles. The design of Eurofighter Typhoon is optimised for air dominance performance with high instantaneous and sustained turn rates, and specific excess power. Special emphasis has been placed on low wing loading, high thrust to weight ratio, excellent all round vision and carefree handling. The use of Stealth technology is incorporated throughout the aircraft’s basic design. The collective military requirements of the Partner Nations are the foundation of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile Air Superiority and Air-to-Surface, multi-role/swing-role weapon system, making it the most capable front line fighter available. Swing-role means that one aircraft can perform a number of different roles, all carried out with ease and precision.

In September 1998 the Eurofighter was also designated the Typhoon, though this nomenclature is intended only for use in export markets outside Europe. Eurofighter remains the official name in Europe, and Typhoon will not automatically be the EF2000s name with the four partner air forces when it enters service in 2002/3.

The four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon is a fore plane delta-wing, beyond-visual-range, close air fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. Eurofighter has 'super cruise' capability: it can fly at sustained speeds of over Mach 1 without the use of afterburner.

Eurofighter's air dominance supremacy and versatility as a multi-role combat aircraft is marked by its highly potent and comprehensive air-to-surface attack capability:

• Air Interdiction - capable of delivering a large payload over long distances, by day or night. Multiple, flexible sensors coupled with passive modes of delivery, and the retention of a full air-to-air fit ensure a formidable weapon system.
• Close Air Support - ability to remain on task for long periods. Its sophisticated sensor suite allows close co-ordination with ground commanders, and the identification of individual targets
• Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) - the combination of pinpoint navigational accuracy, highly sophisticated on board sensors and dedicated 'fire and forget' weapons, ensure effective targeting of enemy air defences .
• Maritime Attack - dedicated radar modes and data link enable Eurofighter Typhoon to operate autonomously, or as part of an offensive force