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Royal Air Force - RAF Aircraft - Typhoon - r7a8 - Armed Forces
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The first production aircraft flew in 2003,
and delivery of the first aircraft started during early 2004. The
Typhoon is to replace the Tornado F3 and the Jaguar. It is planned that
the Typhoon front-line will comprise 7 squadrons, of which 4 will be
primarily Air Defence, 2 Swing-role, and one Offensive Support covering
a full range of Combat Air Operations.
Initial deliveries will be to the Typhoon hub at RAF Coningsby.
Subsequent aircraft will go to Tornado F3 squadrons at Leeming and
Leuchars.
The first two Squadrons No 3 (Fighter) and No 11 are now operational. No
3 Squadron being declared operational in the air-to-air role in mid 2007
and No 11 Squadron being declared operational in the ground attack role
in mid 2008. This follows the first drop of a Paveway 2 guided munition
in November 2007.
The Typhoon (formerly EFA – European Fighter
Aircraft) is a single seat, STOL capable aircraft optimised for air
superiority/air defence and ground attack roles. Germany, Italy and
Spain are UK partners in the most costly European collaboration
programme to date.
The air forces of the four countries have ordered a total of 620
Eurofighters (UK 232, Germany 180, Italy 121, and Spain 87). The UK is
to receive its aircraft in 3 x Tranches. Tranche 1 - 55 aircraft (mainly
air defence aircraft with some multi-role towards the end of the
tranche). Tranche 2 - 89 aircraft (mainly air defence aircraft with an
enhanced air-to-surface capability scheduled to be integrated on Tranche
2 aircraft from 2012). Tranche 3 - 88 aircraft (Final decision on
production and numbers continuing in 2009).
The original estimated procurement cost of the RAF Typhoons was some
£16.7bn, including research and development costs – making it the most
expensive weapon system yet produced for the UK armed forces. The latest
unit cost estimate is £64.8 million across Tranche 1 and Tranche 2
aircraft.
Typhoon is a fifth-generation combat aircraft with fully digital,
integrated aircraft, avionics and weapon systems. Typhoon is designed to
perform at least five air missions: air superiority, air interdiction,
Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), Close Air Support (CAS) and
Maritime Attack. It may in time be modified to fulfil naval aircraft
carrier roles, and a navalised version of Typhoon may be the longer term
answer to the Joint Strike Fighter programme if difficulties with the
United States cannot be resolved.
The aircraft is designed to carry 6 x medium-range and 2 x short-range
air-to-air missiles. The aircraft has 13 x store stations and an
internal gun fitted on the starboard side. A range of air-to-ground
weapons can be carried, including the new Storm Shadow CASOM, Brimstone
anti-armour weapon, and the future Precision Guided Bomb (PGB). No
modifications will be necessary to carry "smart" weapons and
three stations
can carry external fuel pods. The Captor radar is a collaboration
European design. Other sensors include the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST)
system. The Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) equipment is carried in 2 x
wing pods that are an integral part of the wing. The datalink is
provided by the Multiple Image Data System (MIDS). The aircraft will be
able to operate from a 500 metre strip.
There has been much discussion regarding the quality and performance of
this aircraft. During an exchange in the House of Lords on 13 January
2006 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Lord Bach commented, “I
must refer to the senior United States Air Force general who, fresh from
an exhilarating first flight in Typhoon and, naturally, quite excited,
was heard to say, "This is the best fast jet in the world".
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TYPHOON
Specifications
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| Crew
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1
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| Length
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15.96m |
| Height
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5.23m
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| Wingspan
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10.95m
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| Max Speed
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1,321mph/2,125kph
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| Empty Weight
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22,000lb/9,999kg
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| Max Take-Off Weight
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46,305lb/21,000kg
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| Ferry Range
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5,382km/3,310miles with 4 x drop tanks
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| Engine
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2 x Eurojet
EJ200 turbofans
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Armament
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1 x 27mm (first RAF batch
only)
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| Air
Interdiction
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2 x Storm
Shadow
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2
x ALARM
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4 x AMRAAM
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2 x ASRAAM
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2 x 1,500litre fuel
tank
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1 x 1,000litre fuel
tank
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| Close Air
Support
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18 x
Brimstone
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4 x AMRAAM
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2 x ASRAAM
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1 x 1,000 litre
fuel tank
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| SEAD
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6 x ALARM
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4 x AMRAAM
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2 x ASRAAM
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1 x 1,000litre fuel
tank
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Maritime Attack
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4 x Penguin
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4 x AMRAAM
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2 x ASRAAM
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2 x 1,500litre fuel
tank
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1 x 1,000litre fuel tank
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| Also Sidewinder
AAM; Meteor BVRAAM; Paveway II,III, EPR (IV) LGB; JDAM or other
PGB |
In service with:
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3 Squadron |
12 x Typhoon |
RAF Coningsby |
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11 Squadron |
12 x Typhoon |
RAF Coningsby |
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17 (R) Squadron |
6e x Typhoon |
RAF Coningsby (Typhoon OEU) |
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29 Squadron |
12e x Typhoon |
RAF Coningsby (Typhoon OCU) |
e - Estimated numbers
Photo Copyright Alasdair Taylor |
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