PROGRAMME NEWS & FEATURES 2/2010

THE ORIENT:
NEW HOME MARKETS
AN INSIDE LOOK AT 29(R) SQN
5TH GENERATION
FIGHTER!
3
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
E D I T O R I A L
03 EDITORIAL
04 EUROFIGHTER NEWS
07 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON EVENT CALENDAR 2010
08 NATOS BRILLIANT ARDENT 2010 EXERCISE
09 LEADERS OF TOMORROW
10 ORIENTAL PROMISE: THE FUTURE OF THE EUROFIGHTER PROGRAMME
14 AT THE CUTTING EDGE
AN INSIDE LOOK AT 29(R) SQN, TYPHOON OPERATIONAL CONVERSION UNIT
16 WHAT IS A 5TH GENERATION FIGHTER
18 THRUST VECTORING TECHNOLOGY
20 A PARTNERSHIP OF GROWTH
22 THE EUROFIGHTER ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE IBERIAN COUNTRY
23 EUROFIGHTER LAUNCHES NEW LOOK WEBSITE
Eurofighter World is published by
Eurofighter GmbH, PR & Communications
Am Sldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos
Tel: +49 (0) 811-80 1587
communications@eurofighter.com
Editorial Team
Marco Valerio Bonelli
Kathryn Holm
Martina Schmidmeir
Photography
Eurofighter GmbH, Eurofighter Partner Companies
Geoffrey Lee, Planefocus
Katsuiko Tokunaga
Klaus Durrbeck
Italian Air Force
German Air Force
Berit Recklebe, German Air Force JG73
Design & Production
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If you would like to request additional copies of
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communications@eurofighter.com
June 2010
10
ORIENTAL PROMISE:
THE FUTURE OF THE
EUROFIGHTER
PROGRAMME
CONTENTS
Title:
Two German Air Force Eurofighter's
from JG 74 based at Neuburg, Germany.
These aircraft were used in an air
policing mission over the Baltic States
as part of a Nato commitment. The
Eurofighter's are fitted with IRIS-T
missiles and one centre line drop tank.
The Eurofighter's were based in
Lithuania at Siauliai Air Base for 2
months in their first operational
detachment led by Lieutenant Colonel
Jan Gloystein. The aircraft were
photographed over Siauliai, Lithuania.
Photography: Eurofighter, Geoffrey Lee
Further to the ASTA article "ASTA Flying Level" published in Issue 1: 2010 of Eurofighter World, we
would like to highlight an error with one of the images used. The main photograph in the article
was that of a BAE Systems' ECDT cockpit trainer device and should actually have been from an
ASTA facility. We apologise for any confusion caused.
08
NATOS BRILLIANT
ARDENT 2010
EXERCISE
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
Welcome to the
second edition of
Eurofighter World, our
in-house magazine
bringing you key
information from
within the World of the
Eurofighter.
The Eurofighter programme is moving forward
at an impressive pace, consistently hitting
milestones and working hard towards pushing
the boundaries of the capabilities already in
place. With only four years of service the
Typhoon is becoming a mature weapon
system. Our Customer air forces are the best
demonstration of this. The flying hours
completed and the fleet availability rate is the
best business card the Typhoon can show, in
particular when the aircraft is deployed out of
their main operating bases for exercises and
operational commitments. Typhoons are
operational in very different climates and
environments. From the South Atlantic to
Northern Europe, from the Canarias to the
desert of Saudi Arabia. But the average
efficiency rate across the air forces fleets is
often better than more mature aircraft already
well into their service.
With production of Tranche 2 aircraft in full
swing and a Tranche 3a production order
extending the life of the programme past
2016, we are in a strong position.
But with such a sophisticated and complex
military aerospace programme like this, it is
important that we look to the future after
2016 to ensure that the life of the programme
grows in strength which is why, amongst other
things, we are actively pursuing possible
export sales to have a guarantee of continued
production. This edition of Eurofighter World
will focus on our export potential, current
activities and provide you with an insight into
future markets.
I hope you enjoy the edition.
Enzo Casolini
CEO Eurofighter GmbH
Enzo Casolini
CEO Eurofighter GmbH
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graphics to present product information as
well as technical specifications. Flight Inter-
national deputy editor Max Kingsley-Jones
and Alan Peaford, Aerocomm chief execu-
tive and president of the British Association
of Communicators in Business, claimed the
website came out on top because of its good
general usability. "It also has some enter-
taining interactive modules including a
Shootem up Typhoon game." This proves
once again that Eurofighter Typhoon contin-
ues to increase global awareness of the mul-
ti-role fighter aircraft through its profes-
sional website.
EUROFIGHTER SHINES INBAHRAIN
The Eurofighter Typhoon was one of the
star attractions during the first Bahrain air
show. The Eurofighter Typhoon was in at-
tendance as part of BAE Systems presence
at the event. The show, which claims to
provide a totally new concept to the global
aerospace community was a business to
business event covering civil, defence and
business aviation. A full scale replica
Typhoon aircraft was on display and offered
an opportunity for the huge crowds attend-
ing the event to get a view of inside the
aircraft.
Following the interest in the aircraft at
the Dubai air show, it is hoped that Typhoon
will increase its presence in the Gulf region
over the coming years. With the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia already an in-service cus-
tomer, the Typhoon has proven it can per-
form in the hot conditions of the region. The
Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet operates in
any environment and still offers the ulti-
mate in air defence as well as ground attack
capabilities.
AUSTRIANAIR FORCE SUCCESSFULLY
REACHES 1,500 FLYING HOURS
The Eurofighter Typhoons in service
with the sterreichische Luftstreitkrfte,
successfully reached the 1,500 flying hours
milestone in March.
This success serves to prove the impor-
tant role the aircraft plays in the air polic-
ing task within Austrias defence system.
In 33 Priority A missions, the Austrian Air
Force repeatedly safeguarded the national
air space whilst 240 Priority B operations
were accomplished to ensure constant air
surveillance.
With the Eurofighter Typhoon as the
best and most effective defence system
available, the Austrian Armed Forces are
capable of providing active Air Security 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
SPAINCELEBRATES 10,000 FLYING HOURS
WITHTHE TYPHOON
The Spanish Air Force reached a key
milestone in February as their Eurofighter
Typhoon fleet achieved 10,000 flying hours.
The event was marked by a ceremony held
at Morn Air Base, in Southern Spain, host-
ed by Base Commander for Morn and
Squadron 11, Colonel Francisco Javier Fer-
nndez Snchez. In attendance were a
variety of local companies working on the
Eurofighter Typhoon programme, including
EADS CASA, INDRA and ITP. The 10,000th
hour came during a training mission of
Ala 113 at the base which received its first
Eurofighter Typhoon - or C.16 as it is known
within the Ejercito de lAire - in October
2003. The Typhoon aircraft is used by the
Air Force for air defence and air intercep-
BULGARIA FLIES THE BEST!
Major General Konstantin Popov, Head
of the Bulgarian Air Forces training staff,
carried out a flight with the Typhoon at the
Italian air base of Grosseto recently as re-
ported by the Bulgarian Air Force staff to
the national newspaper Bulgarska Armia.
Major General Popov was hosted by Gen-
eral Maurizio Lodovisi, deputy Chief of the
Italian Air Force Air Staff. Special attention
was paid to the strengthening of military
cooperation, on developing strategies for
further operational tasks with the Italian
Air Force, as well as on greater opportuni-
ties using new and modern Eurofighter
flight technology.
During Major General Popovs flight
with the Eurofighter Typhoon, the aircraft
was used to its full capacity. The sortie in-
cluded one on one and two against two
engagements and was accomplished suc-
cessfully in a 75 minutes long flight.
EUROFIGHTER GETS A WARMWELCOME
INCHILE
Eurofighter partner company EADS
turned up in Chile to present the Typhoon
to the South American visitors at FIDAE Air
Show. The International Air & Space Fair
held at Santiago Airport, this year celebrat-
ing its 30th birthday, brought together a
host of big names from all over the world.
EADS was at the show with a full scale
replica of the Typhoon aircraft, displaying
the finest example of European capabilities
and collaboration. More than 86,000
Chileans attended the show and many
stopped by to sit in the Eurofighter cockpit.
Chiles President Sebastin Piera offi-
cially opened the show - titled FIDAE of
Solidarity - following the recent earth-
quakes in the country. All profits from the
show will be donated to the organisation
helping those who were affected by the
disaster.
EUROFIGHTER TYPHOONIS ANAWARD
WINNER
Eurofighter was awarded a prestigious
online award in recognition for the www.eu-
rofighter.com website. The award, given by
Flight International magazine, was for the
best aerospace manufacturer website as
part of their annual aviation Webbie
awards. Www.eurofighter.com received its
Webbie for demonstrating clear site naviga-
tion and design, inventive use of interactive
EUROFIGHTER PROTECTS DAVOS WORLD
ECONOMIC FORUM
T
he deployment of the Austrian Eurofighter
Typhoons alongside the Swiss F-18s to defend
the air space above the World Economic Forum
in Davos in January 2010 demonstrated the perfect
interoperability of the Alpine Air defence system.
This system is comprised of Eurofighter Typhoons
from Germany, Italy and Austria alongside the F-18s
of Switzerland. This role was building on the deploy-
ment of these aircraft during the Euro 2008 football
championships in Austria and Switzerland.
As announced by the Austrian Ministry of De-
fence, the Austrian Air Forces Eurofighter Typhoons
have been significantly involved in air policing
missions to protect the air space in Davos. More than
2500 people attended the forum, between them 30
heads of State and over 60 ministers from different
nations.
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With all the snow and bad weather drum-
ming at our doors during this years long
winter in Europe, it was no surprise to see a
story about the cold affecting cars, trains
and commercial airlines. But combat air-
craft have to be operational 24 hour per day,
COLD-WEATHER EUROFIGHTER
T
he Royal Air
Forces 11
Squadron
which fly the
Typhoon aircraft, recently celebrated their
95th anniversary and Eurofighter would
like to congratulate them on their mile-
stone. Now based at RAF Coningsby, the
Squadron are classified as Early defence &
airborne early warning and have collected
a host of battle honours from as far back as
the Western Front conflict in 1915, honour-
ing their moto: Ociores acrierosquaquilis,
'Swifter and keener than eagles.
11 Squadron were the last to operate the
English Electric Lightning aircraft in 1988
and became the lead multi-role Typhoon
squadron in 2007. The list of aircraft flown
by the Squadron serves as a history lesson
in British aviation. Starting with the Vick-
ers two seat Gunbus aircraft flown in 1915;
Hawker Hart Bombers in 1923 and Hurri-
canes in 1943, the Squadron have remained
at the forefront of aviation by flying the
Typhoon. The squadron and its heritage is
something that Eurofighter would like
to celebrate and are proud to be part of the
long list of classic aircraft flown by the
Squadron and the Royal Air Force.
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tion roles, fully operational since January
2008. Morn Air Base operates with two
Squadrons. Squadron 113 is an operational
conversion unit, providing among other
roles Typhoon pilot training, whilst
Squadron 111 is the main front line unit to
provide the Spanish Air Force with the nec-
essary offensive and defensive capabilities
to accomplish international tasks and fulfil
the Spanish defence policy. This significant
achievement by the Spanish Air Force con-
firms the operational and industrial success
of the Eurofighter programme as well as the
importance of the aerospace industry in
Spain.
EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON CONGRATULATES RAF 11 SQUADRON
ON 95 YEARS IN SERVICE
A flight of Typhoons from Ala-11 Wing formed of 111 and 113
Squadrons based at Morn Air Base in Southern Spain.
7 days a week, 365 days a year in any
weather conditions. Laage Air Base, close to
the Baltic Sea, in North Germany was this
year a perfect example of the freezing condi-
tion in which the Eurofighter normally
works every day.
Two Eurofighters from the Austrian Air Force based at Zeltweg, used to police the skies over Austria.
The Eurofighters are fitted with IRIS-T missiles.
5
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
E U R O F I G H T E R N E WS
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
4 E U R O F I G H T E R N E WS
2010 is a busy a year for Eurofighter Typhoon. Below is a list of events that Eurofighter and the
Typhoon aircraft have been and plan to have a presence at. For more information on the key air shows
for 2010, log on to our website: www.eurofighter.com
7
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
E V E N T S
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
E U R O F I G H T E R N E WS
F
rom May 5th until May 7th 2010 the
Eurofighter Cockpit Demonstrator was
on display at IDEB (International De-
fence Exhibition) in Bratislava, the capital
of the Slovakian Republic. The Typhoon
cockpit demonstrator and the Eurofighter
stand were one of the main attractions for
people ranging from interested visitors, pi-
lots, technical experts up to the highest lev-
el of the Air Forces.
On May 5th the Eurofighter team gave a
warm welcome to the Slovakian Defence
Minister, high ranking Air Force officials
T
he Grosseto based 4th Air Wing of the
Italian Air Force got 2010 off to a fly-
ing start by setting a new record in op-
erational availability. The wing amassed
320 flying hours in January, 130 of which
were accomplished during the last week of
the month. These facts were tangible proof
that the two Squadrons of Grosseto's 4th
Stormo have successfully brought the opera-
tional availability of their Typhoons up to a
very high level. This has largely been attrib-
uted to the effective integration of the 904th
GEA, Gruppo Efficienza Aeromobili, the
unit that had the responsibility to keep
Grossetos Typhoons operational at a higher
level, with the flying Squadrons.
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EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
EVENTCALENDAR 2010
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SIDEB 2010 EXHIBITION: EUROFIGHTER COCKPIT
DEMONSTRATOR FLEW OVER CENTRAL EUROPE
PROVING OUR
IMPACT
M
TU Aero Engines, Eurojets Turbo GmbHs
German Partner, issued first quarter re-
sults in April and put most of its recent
military engine profits down to the Eurofighter
Typhoon and the Tornado engine business. MTU,
which builds both civilian and military aircraft en-
gines announced that the over average revenues
were due to the EJ200 and the RB199 success. This
story highlights the strength of the Eurofighter
programme as well as the economic and technolog-
ical impact it has nationally and internationally.
Eurofighter continues to boost the reputation of
European aerospace and reflects the strength and
independence of the industry.
and diplomatic representatives in Bratislava
briefed by Italian Air Force Eurofighter pilot
Walter Pacini and Eurofighter Test Pilot
Matteo Maurizio, who both explained the
Eurofighter performances with excellent ex-
pertise.
SHOW NAME CATEGORY VENUE DATE
FEBRUARY
Air Power India Conference New Dehli, India 15 February
DEFEXPO Air, Land & Sea New Dehli, India 15-18 February
MARCH
FIDAE 2010 Aerospace Santiago, Chile 23-28 March
APRIL
DSA 2010 Defence Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 19-22 April
MAY
International Defence Exhibition (IDEB) Defence Bratislava, Slowakia 5-7 May
Exhibition (HEMUS)
International Defence Equipment Defence Plovdiv, Bulgaria 26-29 May
Defence & Security (CANSEC) Defence & Security Ottawa, Canada 27-28 May
Piestany Air Show (Slovakia) Air Show Piestany, Slovakia 29-30 May
JUNE
ILA 2010 Aerospace Berlin, Germany 8-13 June
RAF Air Power Conference Aerospace London, UK 17-18 June
JULY
RIAT 2010 Royal International Air Tattoo Fairford, UK 17-18 July
Farnborough International 2010 Aerospace Farnborough, UK 19-25 July
SEPTEMBER
Ostrava NATO day - Czech AF Open Day Aviation Czech Rep. 18-19 September
OCTOBER
International Fighter Conference Defence London
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
AIR POWER Middle east Conference - Aerospace Doha, Qatar 30 Nov. - 01. Dec. Colonel Achille Cazzaniga, 4th Stormo
Wing Commander, expressed his satisfac-
tion concerning these achievements. He
stressed how impressed he was by both the
unconditional availability of the Eurofighter
Typhoon and the motivation of the person-
nel. The 4th Stormo is made up of the IX
Gruppo (Squadron), which fly the Typhoon
in air policing and on Quick Reaction Alert
duty, and of the 20th Gruppo, which is the
operational conversion unit for all Italian
Air Force Typhoon pilots.
The 4th Air Wing was the first Italian
Air Force unit to receive the Typhoon in
2004. On the 21st of June 2009, the Air
Wing obtained NATOs certification to ac-
complish out-of-area missions in support of
peace within the NATO Response Force and
in October 2009 reached the impressive
milestone of 10,000 flying hours.
With the presence at IDEB in Bratislava
Eurofighter expressed its special focus on
NATO member Slovak Republic, which will
need - in the short-medium term - to replace
its fleet of ageing MiG-29 currently in ser-
vice.
ITALIANAIR FORCE STARTED THE YEAR WITH
RECORD IN OPERATIONAL
AVAILABILITY
9
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
P R O G R A MME
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
S Q UA D R O N S
The safety of the pilot is one of the most
critical aspects of flying. As part of the talk,
students were shown the importance of
safety. The students were given the opportu-
nity to try on a flying suit, helmet and life
jacket currently in use by the Qatar Emiri
Air Force.
Robert Trent, Director of the Qatar Lead-
ership Academy, commented: We are excit-
ed to host activities of quality like this for
our cadets, giving them real-life applications
for leadership. I look forward to future co-
operation with BAE Systems and other groups
who can add value to our work at QLA.
8
I
ts not everyday that an experienced
fighter pilot from the Royal Air Force is
on hand to explain what its like to fly
new generation combat aircraft, such as the
Eurofighter Typhoon. But when he is, the
moments worth grabbing.
Craig Penrice a Typhoon test pilot from
BAE Systems recently took students from
the Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA)
through his experiences as a fighter pilot.
The presentation took place as part of one
of the QLAs key principles of teaching stu-
dents about leadership.
Craig, who was a key member of the
team of test pilots who developed the Ty-
phoon, addressed the QLA students on his
experiences as a fighter pilot. He also high-
lighted how leadership goes hand in hand
with every day business life, from concept
and manufacture to flying a complex air-
craft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.
During his talk, Craig demonstrated the
technical innovation in aircraft design and
manufacture from passenger and commercial
aircraft, through to military platforms such
as the Hawk advanced jet trainer and the
Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the worlds most
advanced and capable multi-role fighters.
Simon Keith, BAE Systems Managing
Director for the Middle East, Africa and
Asia Pacific, commented: BAE Systems has
a long history of leading in defence innova-
tion and manufacturing, including combat
aircraft. As one of the Qatar Leadership
Academys missions is to prepare its stu-
dents to be the leaders of tomorrow, Craigs
talk showed the students how important
leadership is, whether it is in industry, in
the military or just flying a combat aircraft.
We are pleased that this first event with the
QLA was able to fit in so perfectly with its
values and we look forward to strengthening
our relationship over the next few years.
PREPARING STUDENTS TO BE
LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Craig Penrice a Typhoon test pilot from BAE Systems
took the students of the Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA)
through his experiences as a fighter pilot.
94% OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY FOR ITALIAN EUROFIGHTERS IN
NATOS BRILLIANT
ARDENT 2010
EXERCISE
T
he six Italian Eurofighter Typhoons
from the 4th Air Wing of Grossetos Air
Force base, redeployed to Laage, in
Northern Germany, have flown a total of 68
sorties and 140 flight hours, with a 94% oper-
ational availability, during their participation
in the NATO driven Brilliant Ardent 10.
The exercise took place over the Baltic
Sea between the 12th and 22nd April, man-
aged by the Allied Air Command of Izmir, in
Turkey and saw the participation of around
sixty aircraft from Italy, the U.S, Germany,
France, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey.
The Italian Typhoons at Laage Air Base -
home of the Eurofighter Typhoons of the
Jagdgeschwader 73 Steinhoff - despite the
problems connected to the closure of the
German air space due to the volcanic ash
cloud during the exercise, were included
within the 'Blue Forces' to perform Air De-
fence missions and achieved excellent re-
sults in testing the capability and the inter-
operability of the Eurofighter with different
platforms.
The exercise was based on a NATO-guid-
ed 'Crisis Response Operation' mission. A
specifically conceived simulated scenario
was created for the occasion to represent a
build up of international tensions between
States, worsened by internal uprisings and
degenerating into a conflict situation be-
tween two hostile countries and their allies.
11
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
P R O G R A MME
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
P R O G R A MME
In Japan, there is speculation that anoth-
er contender could be added to the list: the
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. But if this is the
case, the requirement would not be for a
fighter aircraft but for a ground attack jet.
The troubled American aircraft has just
started the test phase and could become a
good ground support aircraft when it has
matured, however, because it was designed
from conception as a ground support air-
craft, it will never reach the level of fighter
capabilities that many of its competitors
have already reached. The other question
this poses is whether the Japanese need an
aircraft for primarily ground attack roles or
whether they would make better use of a
multi-role aircraft, suitable for air surveil-
10
Japan, India, South Korea, Malaysia and the
Gulf - Eurofighter Typhoon is really looking to the
Orient for its next home market.
F
rom the hot and sandy conditions of
the Middle East and Malaysia to the
complexity of a dry, humid or bitter
cold climate in India, the Eurofighter
Typhoon is at its best, offering the ideal so-
lution to the air defence requirements in
these regions. In addition, the environment
and location of both South Korea and Japan
have created a demanding requirement for a
twin-engined aircraft to complete long
range missions over water. With the King-
dom of Saudi Arabia a proven in-service
customer in extreme conditions, the
Eurofighter Typhoon has already proven it-
self to be the perfect candidate for the
new fighter programmes which have either
been launched or are still under definition
in the above mentioned regions.
This vast area of requirement will see a
real race to update the local air forces in the
next few years and like in the recent past,
the competitors are very different in terms
of characteristics and performance. These
competitors range from lightweight fighters
such as the Gripen or the F-16 (both who
claim to be low cost but as the attached F-16
contracts chart demonstrates are not) the
mid-size twin engined F-18 and MiG-35
through to the best representatives of fight-
er class aircraft on the market, the Rafale
and the Eurofighter.
ORIENTAL PROMISE:
THE FUTURE OF THE
EUROFIGHTER PROGRAMME
lance and quick reaction alert duties as well
as offering outstanding air-to-ground capa-
bilities.
The continental Asian market can be
split into two parts. The first one is the Gulf
region, in which some countries in the past
10 years have opted for the F-16 aircraft. It
is obvious that there is a need for more rele-
vant and capable equipment across the Gulf
region in order to offer strategic deterrence
with the guarantee of air superiority
against any potential threat. This is a bene-
fit which an F-5, Mirage 2000, F-16 or an F-
18 of any version in service today cannot
guarantee. With the Eurofighter Typhoon
and its through life and upgrade packages,
the Gulf nations could offer a credible
strategic deterrent for the next 30 to 40
years.
Saudi Arabia took the lead in the region
with a decision to update the nations air
forces, ordering a total of 72 Typhoon jets in
2007. The deliveries started in June last
year. With its Eurofighter fleet Saudi Arabia
currently deploys the most powerful and ad-
vanced combat aircraft in the Middle East.
Recently the UK government announced
that talks are on-going concerning a poten-
tial sale of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to
the Sultanate of Oman. If these negotiations
become a contract, the European consor-
tium will set a new standard in the Region.
The hot and high performances of the
Typhoon are unmatched by any of its com-
petitors.
By moving further East, the geopolitical
scenario changes dramatically. Strategic,
economic as well as political issues remain
unresolved. Areas of continued tension in
the region include Taiwan, Korea, the con-
tested area around the Spratly Islands in
the South Chinese Sea. The perceived
strategic issues between India, Pakistan and
China add further complications to the al-
ready complex picture that exists.
In this situation, an aircraft designed as
the worlds most advanced combat aircraft
with extensive multi-role capabilities is the
only fighter jet able to counter effectively all
current and evolving threats. That aircraft
is the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Looking at a large operational arena like
India as well as the marine environment
around South Korea, Japan and Malaysia,
the need for a twin-engined aircraft to deliv-
er consistently high levels of performance is
mandatory. For the above countries, with
long borders and/or large over-water areas,
a twin engine aircraft should also mean de-
livering consistent levels of safety. To date,
the safety record of the entire Eurofighter
fleet which has amassed over 90,000 flying
hours, remains at 100%.
FLEET EFFECTIVENESS
The Eurofighter Typhoon is the only fighter
available on the market able to offer such
wide-ranging operational capabilities. The
programme delivers capability growth re-
quirements across all customer nations. Its
special technology insertion programme
which progressively enhances performance
and reduces technological risks, will ensure
that the Typhoon aircraft continues to rep-
resent the most cost-effective solution for
all future markets. This growth capability
assures performance enhancements that
will keep the aircraft ahead of new and
evolving threats, whilst guaranteeing maxi-
mum operational effectiveness and flexibili-
ty. By offering high survivability; as well as
high reliability and maintainability, the
result is impressive low through-life operat-
ing costs. From the beginning the Typhoon
has been designed to have extensive multi-
role capabilities thanks to a balanced mix of
aerodynamics, sensor fusion and perfor-
mance, to counter effectively all known and
projected threats such as the latest Sukhoi
Flanker and various future low-observable
aircraft.
The cost of acquisition is an important
factor in the region and the fleet effective-
ness has a crucial impact on cost, especially
for air forces that cant have a large number
of aircraft in service.
As a recent example of the Typhoons
fleet effectiveness and with an operational
availability rate well above the average, the
Italian Air Forces Eurofighter fleet carried
out an exercise in Sardinia as part of an
Autonomous Air-Combat Manoeuvring In-
strumentation campaign to Decimomannu.
The air forces 4 and 36 Stormo took
part in two weeks of activity, flying 112 mis-
sions out of the 114 planned, with an opera-
tional availability of 98.3%. The Eurofighter
Typhoon continues to prove that it is the
only swing role aircraft available able to
perform at such high levels with such unri-
valed operational fleet effectiveness. Proven
performance and reliability means that the
Eurofighter Programme is in a strong posi-
tion when requirements for such an aircraft
arises.
INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION
The industrial package which is part of
any aircraft acquisition is a crucial element
for any nation where local aerospace indus-
tries are well developed and capable of play-
ing a significant role both in terms of pro-
duction, design, development, upgrades and
logistical support like in Japan, India, South
Korea and Malaysia. Eurofighter is able to
offer to all the countries potentially interest-
ed in the aircraft an industrial participation
deal that could range from the integration
of local systems and equipment to establish-
ing a local final assembly, the management
of logistical support and maintenance and
access to significant know how with no
black box restrictions for specific tech-
nologies - an issue common with American
made projets.
Thus in conclusion, the Eurofighter
Typhoon will create a strong economic im-
pact in any country. If only by calculating
the activities related to the logistical sup-
port; the update and upgrades for at least
25 years, the returns in terms of taxation
and indirect activities will be around 100%
of the acquisition cost. If this is carried
out in country, it will create a huge return
for their money. With the Eurofighter
Typhoon, the money really is invested in a
very wise and profitable way which has
been clearly demonstrated by the pro-
gramme across the four partner nations of
Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain. Here,
Eurofighter has generated a benefit to the
balance of payments evaluated at between
45 and 60 billion euros. Any new markets,
the Orient in particular, cannot deny the
extensive benefits that investing in the
Eurofighter Typhoon would bring.
Eurofighter
Typhoon of
XI (F) Squadron
based at RAF
Coningsby.
BY MARCUS MESSALLA
COUNTRY DATE NUMBER COST UPC
Greece 2005 40 $3.1-billion $78-million
Pakistan 2006 36 $3.0-billion $83-million
Turkey 2006 30 $2.9-billion $97-million
Romania 2008 24 $4.5-billion $188-million
Morocco 2008 24 $2.4-billion $100-million
Egypt 2009 24 $3.2-billion $133-million
13
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD 2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
12
German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon based at Laage-Rostock, with a single centre line drop tank.
15
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I N - S E R V I C E 14
SIMULATION
Simulators are widely used at RAF Conings-
by and there is actually a varied selection of
synthetic training available, from the full
dome simulators which can be linked to-
gether to enable pilots to practice air com-
bat, to smaller, but no less realistic, ver-
sions where the pilot can actually set up his
or her own training flight with no support
required from other staff. It says much
about this synthetic training, and indeed
the ease with which Typhoon can be flown,
that pilots will usually solo after just seven
dual sorties, by which time they will al-
ready be instrument rated.
At the heart of the aircraft, both literally
and metaphorically, are the amazing Eurojet
EJ200 engines. The EJ200s can power the
Eurofighter to published figures of Mach 2
plus at altitude, Mach 1.2 at sea level and
the jet can supercruise at Mach 1.1 i.e. with-
out using reheat. "Within a matter of min-
utes after leaving Coningsby we can be
at altitude, just east of Wittering for exam-
ple and practising ACM (air combat ma-
noeuvres)," says Tim, "that's brilliant for
training."
Then we see some of the Typhoon's
defensive aids, the most prominent of which
are the DASS (Defensive Aids Sub System)
pods on the wingtips which include a towed
decoy for protection against radar guided
missiles. Also of note in newer production
block aircraft is an advanced MAWS (Mis-
sile Approach Warning System) and there
are various sensors positioned on the air-
frame for this purpose.
Inside the cockpit the lack of any tradi-
tional instrumentation is striking, and the
main panel is dominated by the three full
colour MHDD (Multi-function Head Down
Displays) while the huge HUD (Head Up
Display) and bulky control column are also
worthy of note.
"We teach a certain way of using the
screens but the information they display is
interchangeable and on the front of the
throttle we have a button which operates a
mouse cursor just like that on any home PC
or laptop. This can be freely scrolled be-
tween all three screens to make selections
as required," Tim tells me.
Typhoon is literally brimming full of
technology which allows the RAF pilots who
operate it to do so in the most efficient way
possible. Many of the features are designed
to reduce pilot workload, but that doesn't
mean that the 29(R) syllabus or indeed life
on an operational squadron will be plane
sailing.
"We could probably teach anyone who
has flown a flight simulator on their com-
puter at home to fly the Typhoon," says
Tim.
But there is a vast amount to learn about
operating this aircraft as a weapon system
that only time and practise will bring, and
any pilot successfully completing the OCU,
Operational Conversion Unit, is a long way
and a lot of hard work away from earning
themselves the tag of combat ready."
It has been a fascinating day and one full
of surprises as we learned much about this
monumentally impressive piece of technolo-
gy and the pilots who fly it. Far too much
to include here truth be told but hopefully
we have given you a snapshot of what life is
like with one of the world's most potent
combat aircraft - the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Eurofighter would like to thank everyone
on 29(R) Squadron for their hospitality, no-
tably Fg Off Owen Thompson, Flt Lt Tim
Clement, Chief Technician Carlos Proctor
and also Jim Robinson, Dep MCO for RAF
Coningsby.
T
here is a noticeable buzz about 29(R),
a feeling that all the men and women
here are well aware that they are
working at the cutting edge of technology,
and operating, be it flying or maintaining,
an undoubtedly incredible piece of kit.
After tours of the crew room full of mem-
orabilia from 29 Squadron and the spacious
ops room which is the heart of 29 s
Squadrons day to day business we meet Flt
Lt Tim Clement, one of the pilots. He's busy
fielding questions about the weather from
ever hopeful aircrew hoping to launch as
soon as possible.
Turning his monitor round so we can see
it he shows us the TAFs (Terminal Aero-
drome Forecasts) for Coningsby, Wadding-
ton and Scampton. All are colour
legs and this is the first major difference as
the Typhoon g-suit covers the entire leg
with no cut out areas whatsoever.
That's not all, as optional g-socks are
also available, and it's becoming clear why
there are so few zips on the suits - with so
many areas of the suit inflating when the
aircraft pulls g they would dig painfully in
to the wearer's skin. The jacket, or life pre-
server, also works to help against the g
forces by inflating, and this leaves the
Typhoon pilot with just three areas that are
not protected in this way - head, arms and
the groin area. The final new piece of equip-
ment is the immersion suit - much lighter
and cooler than the ones we saw at RAF Val-
ley - although it is still quite a job for the
Typhoon pilot to fully prepare him or her-
self for action.
We head back to 29(R)'s hangar for an
expert tour around the aircraft, this time
courtesy of Chief Technician Carlos Proctor.
We are joined by Flt Lt Tim Clement and as
we walk across to the jet Carlos has chosen,
a block 8 aircraft sitting opposite the BAC
Lightning, the twin jet interceptor of the
70s and 80s, currently being refurbished
for display outside, I ask him if my impres-
sions of the Squadron thus far have been
correct?
"I've been instructing on the Typhoon
for something like 2.5 years now and still,
once or twice every five sorties or so I sit
back and think, 'wow, this aircraft is an in-
credible performer!"
"When new pilots come to the Squadron
they all want to see how fast and how high
the aircraft can go, so we actually pro-
gramme some of that into the early days of
the conversion course. They've done it then,
seen what the aircraft can do and get on
with learning about how to fly and operate
the Typhoon."
AN INSIDE LOOK AT 29(R) SQN, TYPHOON OPERATIONAL CONVERSION UNIT
BY GARETH STRINGER
AT THE
CUTTING EDGE
code Red
which
means a
reported visi-
bility of less
than 800m
and/or a ceiling
of less than 200ft;
not good. Even so,
he explains that tak-
ing off would not be a
great problem, it's find-
ing a suitable diversion
within around 100 miles or
so which is the problem, so
the expectant aircrew can but
wait, and hope.
Our next stop is the aircrew
locker room that houses their sur-
vival equipment. The Typhoon pilot's
survival equipment is almost completely
different to that worn by other RAF fast jet
crews. While their boots, gloves and hel-
mets are the same, that's where the similar-
ities end. Even the flying suit worn by the
aircrew are different, with far less zips and
encumbrances than the regular RAF ver-
sion, this being due to the amount of assis-
tance against g (the forces of gravity) given
by the rest of the flying kit. Normal g pro-
tection comes from a g-suit worn over the
VLO Stealth (all aspect / Multispectral)
Supercruise
Sustained Supersonic Ops
Extreme Agility
High T/W & Low W/S
High Altitude Ops (>50,000 ft)
Missile Loadout for Fighter Perform.
Integrated Sensor Fusion
Net Enabled Ops
(*)
E
u
r
o
f
i
g
h
t
e
r
T
y
p
h
o
o
n
J
S
F
F
-
2
2
YES
NO
spectrum stealthiness (VLO) but is well
above the legacy 4th generation platforms
in all other measures of performance.
But in US, the generations issue is
very much used and sometimes, abused. For
example, Lockheed Martins fighter genera-
tion scheme includes aircraft such as the
F-35/JSF in the 5th generation grouping. If
we take the key attributes defining a 5th
generation fighter the JSF satisfies only a
few of them.
Scoring the Eurofighter Typhoon against
the same admission criteria as the 5th
generation club, would produce a much
higher compliance than JSF, for example, as
the only missing part would be the VLO
stealthiness.
So, if the F-35/JSF is not a 5th genera-
tion fighter, what is it then? Where does it
belong?
That is a very important question and
needs a definition before it can be answered
properly. A fighter is a combat aircraft
whose aerodynamic characteristics, sensor
suite and weapon capabilities are optimised
to achieve the control of the air. Fighters ac-
tively look for and engage the opponent's
fighter force. Strike aircraft generally avoid
engagements with other fighters
The fighter generations concept obvious-
ly applies and is restricted to fighters. It
cannot apply to bombers, strike and attack
aircraft, even if sometimes these are inaccu-
rately termed as fighters. Where does the
good old A-4 Skyhawk or the Close Air Sup-
port A-10 belong in terms of fighter genera-
tions? Where does the F-117 fit? Certainly
not in the fighter generation classes. The
same is true also for the F-35/JSF.
So, the inclusion of a tactical strike and
attack platform in the fighter generation
concept is a mistake. Simply put, the JSF is
not a fighter and the two classes are not
comparable.
The process of designing a combat air-
craft will inevitably result in a number of
trade-offs. Any fighter is a compromise be-
tween aircraft manoeuvrability; high specif-
17
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
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P R O G R A MME 16
T
he classification of similar products -
be it fighters, computer systems or
naval frigates - in generations is a well
established practice and is generally accept-
ed as a quick shortcut to define the broad
characteristics and timeframes of a given
product category. However, the inherent
rigidities, inflexibilities and oversimplifica-
tions of such practices cannot be ignored, in
the fighter aircraft sector, in particular.
As an example, the generation sequence
and headings used by Lockheed Martin
for fighters are generally shared by the de-
fence community and can be summarised
as follows:
The beginning of the jet fighter life can
be easily defined by the generations sys-
tem, beginning with the 1st generation, but
the boundaries become difficult to define
between the 4th and 5th generations.
THE AIR FORCES NEED WELL BALANCED PERFORMANCES AND CAPABILITIES
WHAT IS A
5TH GENERATION
FIGHTER
These classifications are truly too rigid
and schematic to have any credibility, in the
sense that a fighter such as the Eurofighter
Typhoon exhibits all the qualities of a 5th
generation fighter with the exception of full
1st Generation Jet engine / Swept wing / Manoeuvrability / Subsonic
2nd Generation Supersonic performance / High altitude / Radar
3rd Generation Multirole / Air-to-Air missiles
4th Generation Manoeuvrability / Advanced avionics / Guided weapons
5th Generation Stealth / Manoeuvrability / Supercruise / Sensor fusion
KEY ATTRIBUTES 5THGENERATION F-35/JSF
(AS DEFINED BY LM)
1 - VLO stealthiness (all aspect / multispectral) Low Observability only on front
aspect and with X-band radar
2 - Supercruise NO
3 - Supersonic performance focus NO
4 - Extreme agility NO
5 - High altitude ops (more than 50,000ft) NO
6 - Missile load-out for fighter performance NO
7 - Integrated sensor fusion YES
8 - Net enabled operations YES
5THGENERATIONFIGHTER CHECKLIST (*) High survivability through
balanced mix of: kinematic
performance, RCS reduction,
EW Suite (incl. towed decoys),
passive sensors, LPI radar
modes, standoff weapons, su-
percruising, networked tactics,
mission planning, standoff
jamming assets. Potential fu-
ture developments: non-kinetics
weapons, i.e. cyberwarfare,
Electronic Attack, HPM (High
Power Microwave) devices.
ic excess power; weapon effectiveness; high
off bore sight; IR/RF missiles; gun; combat
persistence; high fuel fraction; maxi-
mum firepower; aircraft sys-
tems/sensors; human ma-
chine interface; situation-
al understanding;
helmet mounted dis-
plays; threat warning;
countermeasures; good
cockpit visibility. Sur-
vivability can be
achieved by means
other than Low
Observability.
For example
thanks to
layered in-
formation systems; mission definable pref-
erences; automation of routine tasks; threat
prioritisation; sensor fusion and inherent
safety, you are able to avoid compromising
the performance and flight characteristics
of the aircraft and create a weapon system
that does not suffer from the same inflexi-
bility issues that the F-35 JSF appears to
have.
During the first Desert Storm attack
against Iraq on the 17th January 1991, only
10 stealth aircraft from a total of 658 non-
stealth attack aircraft successfully hit tar-
gets in Iraq and Kuwait. That night there
were no losses at all. So what is the lesson
learnt? Clearly if you can hide an F-117, the
primary stealth bomber of that time... you
can also hide a B-52!
However, if any air force is going to
choose just one platform, they have to
make sure it is fit for purpose. The main
considerations should be: forget the
generation labels and instead consider
requirements & capabilities
Overall, military capability must
meet a nations needs. If you cannot
have the F-22, you need some-
thing of similar air-to-air
capability to support
your attack aircraft
at the same time.
Survivability can
be achieved by
means other
than stealthiness.
A single platform
designed only
for strike missions is
unlikely to satisfy all
combat air power
requirements.
Today the Typhoon is the only aircraft
capable of evolving ahead of the threat and
in step with maturing technology.
O.F.
toring can be used to minimise the trim
drag of the aircraft, again leading to en-
hanced overall system efficiency.
As future aircraft capability enhance-
ment programmes will ask for integration of
heavy stores, TVN offers the ability to better
cope with high levels of store asymmetry,
which can offer significant benefits in
terms of landing and bring back capabili-
ty and also operation of limited-stock
weapons
SUPERIOR AIRCRAFT AGILITY
TVN provides the ability to increase the
AoA (Angle of Attack) envelope together
with roll rate enhancing the pointing capa-
bility by providing plenty of control power
in the low speed regime as already men-
tioned earlier. Aerodynamic control sur-
faces can be moved into the optimum posi-
tion and are therefore free to optimise
handling qualities of the aircraft.
NAVALISATION
Initial studies have concluded that im-
plementation of TVN technology leads to a
considerable reduction in approach speed
for carrier landing and therefore reduced
landing loads.
CONCLUSION:
TVN offers the opportunity to further en-
hance the aircraft capabilities, whilst simul-
taneously delivering through life cost reduc-
tion savings. The concept has been proven
through the technology demonstration pro-
gramme and subsequent studies showed
that considerable enhancements can be
achieved by such a solution. Realisation of
this technology into future aircraft can be
achieved through a stepped approach
flight demonstration programme; this
means that only one propulsion system of
the twin engine Typhoon will be equipped
with a TVN system in a 1st step. The TVN
engine can be tested with low risk and most
of the engine and aircraft models can be
validated. In a 2nd step the test aircraft will
be equipped with 2 TVN engines fully inte-
grated into aircraft systems demonstrating
the full capability of this technology.
19
2/2010 EUROFIGHTER WORLD
E N G I N E
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E N G I N E
In 1995 a Technology Demonstration
Phase was launched. This phase included
the design, build and test of a prototype
Thrust Vectoring Nozzle. The first run took
place in July 1998 at the ITP test bed facility
in Madrid and was followed by additional
running hours at the ATF (Altitude Test
Facility) in Stuttgart. More than 80 running
hours were achieved of which 15 hours were
in afterburner operation. Thrust vectoring
in all directions (360) and at various dry
and reheat settings was successfully
demonstrated, whereas up to 20kN lateral
forces were generated. The endurance of the
design was proven conducting more than
6,700 vectoring cycles at constant throat
area and more than 600 throttle cycles with
a sustained vector.
The great technological innovation of
this design lies in its use of one single hy-
draulic actuation system to control both the
convergent section (throat area) and the di-
vergent section (vectoring and exit area).
This has a strong impact on weight, cost
and even global engine performance.
The actuation system for the TVN, de-
signed by Avio, provides the 3D-deflection
capability to the nozzle and allows a safe
operational mode and together with the
Digital Engine Control and Monitoring Unit
(DECMU) the integration with the aircraft
Flight Control System (FCS). Pitch and Yaw
deflection and independent nozzle throat/
exit adjustment is provided by controlling
each actuator independently, whilst the safe
operational mode is guaranteed by the built-
in design - balanced beam nozzle (designed
by ITP), actuation system (by Avio) and the
control system (by MTU). The nozzle cen-
tres and closes itself automatically in case
of a failure of the hydraulic system.
Considerable effort was conducted in a
joint TVN study between EUROJET- and
Eurofighter partner companies to define a
light TVN system, which minimises the im-
pact on the existing engine and aircraft con-
figuration to define a retrofit solution. As
a consequence of this, no structural
changes, either on the A/C or the engine,
are required to fit a TVN on the EJ200 and
the impact on the overall aircraft centre of
gravity is minimised The required hardware
changes are limited to the nozzle itself, the
nozzle actuation system and the engine con-
trol software. The Tranche 2 hardware stan-
dard of the DECMU already includes provi-
sions to implement TVN software and to
fulfil interface requirements.
During the comprehensive studies con-
ducted in the past by this joint EUROJET
and EADS/Alenia team, not only the techni-
cal feasibility, but also the benefits of this
technology for the overall weapon system
were defined in detail:
18
D
riven by a strong ongoing motiva-
tion to achieve cost reductions and
to deliver innovations in product
and services to the customer, more than
1,500 EJ200 engines for the core nations
and export customers are already under
contract. These large sales volumes lead to
economies of scale.
EUROJET continues to work to provide
future enhancements to the EJ200 engine to
maintain its position as the worlds leading
combat engine in its class. Thrust growth
capability has been designed into the EJ200
and Thrust Vectoring Technology can be in-
corporated into the EJ200 engine as a result
of a highly successful technology demon-
strator programme started in 1995 by the
Spanish aero engine company ITP - Indus-
tria de Turbo Propulsores, and followed by
the Spanish and German Governments,
MTU being responsible for the design of the
TVN control system.
Extensive studies have already been con-
ducted in the past to understand the bene-
fits of a Thrust Vectoring Nozzle (TVN)
integrated into a modern fighter aircraft.
Full 3D thrust vectoring demonstration and
generic flight control system integration
concepts have already been successfully
completed.
THRUST VECTORING
TECHNOLOGY
Europes latest generation advanced military turbofan engine EJ200 has been designed to fulfil the
extraordinary demanding requirements of the Eurofighter Typhoon. The EJ200 engine delivers the
highest thrust-to-weight ratio with the most simple engine architecture. The philosophy behind it is to
provide the aircraft with the highest levels of multi-role capabilities whilst producing an affordable
cost of ownership throughout the life of the weapon system.
PUSHING EUROJETS EJ200
INTO NEW DIMENSIONS
LIFE CYCLE COST & FUEL BURN
The above described Thrust Vectoring Noz-
zle System allows optimising the internal
nozzle flow efficiency by independently ad-
justing the nozzle throat and nozzle exit
area to the optimum position. This leads to
either higher thrust at maximum ratings
(+2% at take-off and +7% at supercruise) and
to reduced fuel burn and lower engine spools
speeds at part power settings. A reduction
of mission fuel burn and increased life of tur-
bo machinery components is the positive
consequence. Total fuel saving on a typical
mission is predicted to be approx. 3%.
IMPROVED SAFETY
It is basic physics that aerodynamic control
surfaces (aileron, rudder etc.) show reduced
control power in the low speed regime due
to lack of dynamic pressure. Thrust vector-
ing is able to provide control power due to
the very powerful exhaust of the engines
even in the low speed regime. With the pro-
posed EJ200 Thrust Vectoring System,
control power can be generated in all axes,
i.e. in pitch & yaw direction leading to en-
hanced safety in a low speed situation or af-
ter combat damage, due to the added control
redundancy available to the FCS
MISSION FLEXIBILITY AND
EFFICIENCY
TVN can be used to significantly reduce
the take off run (up to -20%) or to carry - at
a given run-way length - a higher weapon
load leading to increased fleet efficiency.
In the supersonic flight regime, thrust vec-
EJ200 with Thrust Vectoring Nozzle
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I N - S E R V I C E 20
A PARTNERSHIP OF
GROWTH
E
nzo Casolini, CEO of Eurofighter
GmbH commented recently that with-
in the extensive fighter market,
Eurofighter Typhoon has the potential to
sell up to 250-300 aircraft over the next
twenty years. The majority of these sales
are also linked to our ability to effectively
build industrial collaboration partnerships
with the indigenous industries.
The below graphic demonstrates the
current customer base along with future op-
portunities where Eurofighter Typhoon is
involved and has an active interest.
To successfully capture future opportuni-
ties it is essential to use this experience
to partner with new customers and compa-
nies. The Eurofighter consortium has
proven its ability - gained from working at
the forefront of aerospace engineering
across Europe over the past 15 years - to ef-
fectively work in partnership with aero-
space companies from across Europe.
Investing in the Typhoon aircraft offers
more than just deterrence, performances
and weapon capabilities, it means investing
in knowledge sharing, industrial capabili-
ties and support, as well as the ability to es-
tablish in-country assembly lines, allowing
each nation to grow their industrial and
manufacturing capability, far exceeding the
industrial development which would have
been possible though organic growth of
their industrial capabilities or through part-
nership with more technologically restric-
tive nations.
The Eurofighter Typhoon programme
proudly demonstrates the benefits of inter-
national partnerships and the opportunities
for growth that develop from them. With
two in-service export customers to their
name and four home nations, the future
looks bright for the Typhoon.
23
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R E S E A R C H & D E V E L O P ME N T 22
THE EUROFIGHTER
ECONOMIC IMPACT IN SPAIN
eration agreements, 99,5 % of the money in-
vested in this programme is invoiced by
Spanish companies, which means 40% of
the 10,700 million euros invested will re-
turn to the state as direct or indirect taxes
(IVA, Tax of societies, Social Security, Rates
and Tributes).
As well as the other three partner na-
tions, the Eurofighter programme in Spain
is a successful and significant contributor
to the nations economic wellbeing, employ-
ing some of the brightest minds in thou-
sands of high-value manufacturing and en-
gineering jobs.
Out of the about 100,000 personnel em-
ployed directly and indirectly on the Eu-
rofighter programme in Europe (Germany:
25,000, Italy: 20,000, UK: 40,000), some
22,000 personnel work for this unique
European programme in Spain. Production
of the Spanish Eurofighters started at the
EADS-Casa Getafe site in the summer of
2001. The highly modern infrastructure and
production facilities guarantee top efficien-
cy in final assembly.
The Eurofighter programme has enabled,
high technologies to be developed in the ar-
eas of production (e.g..carbon fibre), engi-
neering (e.g..flight test, simulation) and sys-
tems integration (e.g. final assembly, com-
munications) and made it possible for the
Spanish industry to participate in other im-
portant European collaborative programmes
such as TALARION Unmanned Aerial Vehi-
cles and the A400M transport aircraft.
Typhoon offers a variety of industrial
benefits; all of which centre around the
maintenance of an independent European
high-tech aircraft industry, meaning inde-
pendence from the USA. The programme
has contributed to equipment standardisa-
tion amongst the partner nations and export
customers. The Eurofighter Typhoon Pro-
gramme also provides a world leading com-
petitive defence industrial capability re-
quired for a strong future European Defence
Technological and Industrial Base.
In Spain around 36,000 people work di-
rectly in the aerospace sector, and four to
five times this figure if taking into account
indirect and related employment. A great
number of the personnel are highly-quali-
fied, with 42% of all employees having com-
pleted university education or similar. Even
in the case of manual workers, representing
48% of the employees, many of them have
received training in sophisticated aerospace
technology tasks.
With a 72% share of the total number of
employees, the core activity of the sector
is production. Nonetheless, 10% of employ-
ees in the Spanish aerospace sector worked
in R&D, which demonstrates the importance
and the high level of dedication to this ac-
tivity in the sector.
Spain proves that the Eurofighter
Typhoon is more than just the worlds best
multi-role fighter jet. It is a long-term in-
vestment, bringing industrial and economic
benefits and putting Spain, alongside other
Partner and Customer nations, in an elite
field of aircraft manufacturers.
A
lighthouse for the development
of national technology is what Eu-
rofighter Typhoon is known for in
Spain. For the Iberian country, the Eu-
rofighter Research & Development project
launched during the 80s was the most
ambitious in the nations history and helped
enormously to consolidate the aeronautical
sector and to generate an intellectual capital
that became very useful for the develop-
ment of further high-tech programmes like
the A330 Tanker, the A400M or the A350
passenger aircraft.
In Spain, the Eurofighter programme has
not only been a driving force in its integra-
tion within the European aeronautical in-
dustry, but has also become the cornerstone
for major industrial investment and R&D,
generating significant economic and indus-
trial returns for the country. The pro-
gramme has been the driving force behind
new and innovative companies such as ITP,
CESA and TECNOBIT, and improved others
like INDRA, Espelsa and Gamesa. Today,
thanks to the experiences gained with
Eurofighter and the programme, these com-
panies are able to compete in the most am-
bitious collaboration projects across Europe.
Eurofighter Typhoon has also generated
significant economic and financial returns
for the country. Due to the established coop-
These photos show
operations of Ala-11
Wing formed of 111
and 113 Squadrons
based at Morn Air
Base in Southern
Spain. 113 is the
Operational Con-
version unit and the
first front line
Squadron is 111.
The Eurofighters are
fitted with IRIS-T and
drop tanks.
THE LIGHTHOUSE FOR
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
E
urofighter Typhoons award winning
website www.eurofighter.com was
relaunched on Monday 10th of May
2010 with a new design and refreshed con-
tent to keep Eurofighter at the cutting edge
of aerospace online media. The navigation
design has been refreshed, enabling the
user to click, with ease, through the web-
site.
The website, which has retained its
award winning interactive section, has an
updated media library full of new Eurofight-
er Typhoon images, with a logical naviga-
tion and user friendly interface. Also avail-
able are the regular downloadable screen-
savers, videos and images as well as a new
Eurofighter World section, which includes
social media links to our Facebook and
Twitter accounts and the new quarterly
magazine "Eurofighter World".
The Press Office section has been updat-
ed with all the latest information on the
programme and we have introduced inter-
national pages for our current export cus-
tomers where the aircraft is currently in-
service.
EUROFIGHTER LAUNCHES NEW LOOK
WEBSITE