Eurofighter Typhoon #6
Swing Role
Eurofighter Typhoon is as an affordable high-end swing-role weapon system whose design ensures that the aircraft is fully capable of combining different operational tasks in a single mission. Swing-role capability also offers considerable cost-of-ownership benefits to Governments and operational commanders.
Air Superiority
In the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, one capability need remains constant and above all others - Air Superiority. The speed and certainty by which Air Superiority can be established in a battle environment, will determine how quickly and safely other operational tasks can be met. Eurofighter Typhoon is to deliver Air Superiority of the highest order. Air combat can be broken into two broad categories: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Close In Combat (CIC).
Beyond Visual Range
The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require modern fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria. Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and manouevre capability (to be first to reach optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the aerodynamic capability to stay in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary. Eurofighter Typhoon meets these needs in full.
A typical BVR engagement would involve the positive identification of targets over 70 miles away, using the CAPTOR Radar, Infra-Red and data link systems to automatically assess and prioritise the threat.
Eurofighter Typhoon will then use the high excess power of the two EJ200 engines to accelerate to around Mach 1.8, to close in on its target aggressively and impart maximum energy to its active missiles on release. Eurofighter Typhoon will then utilise its high supersonic turn rate to escape from the threat zone, or re-attack if necessary. Its DASS counter-measures and exceptional agility would be used to deny any enemy the successful use of his weapons.
Close in Combat
In CIC, Eurofighter Typhoon’s airframe and engine agility will be complimented by its systems agility. The aircraft has massive subsonic agility, with features such as the off-boresight HMSS to enable heads-out and over-the-shoulder work, exceptional carefree handling, advanced VTAS and DVI technology, and highly effective ASRAAM and IRIS T short range missiles, which are custom-built for close-in and off-boresight lethality. The advanced 'g'-protection system ensures that the pilot is fully conscious and mobile under the sustained 9G capability.
Mission Configurations
Air Superiority
Today’s air defence fighters have to be extremely agile in order to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of supersonic Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat and supersonic Close In Combat (CIC).
Configuration:
6 x BVRAAM
6 x ASRAAM
2 x 1500 litre fuel tank
2 x 1000 litre fuel tank
Air Interdiction
The Eurofighter Typhoon is capable of delivering a large payload over long distances, day or night. The extensive weapons inventory includes low cost, unguided weapons and smart munitions which provide an increase in range, effectiveness and survivability. Multiple, flexible sensors, coupled with passive modes of delivery and the retention of a full Air-to-Air fit, ensure that Eurofighter Typhoon is a formidable weapon system.
Configuration
2 x Stand-off missiles
2 x Alarm
4 x AMRAAM
2 x ASRAAm
2 x 1500 litre fuel tank
1 x 1000 litre fuel tank
Supression of Enemy Air Defences
The combination of pinpoint navigational accuracy, highly sophisticated onboard sensors and dedicated ''fire and forget'' weapons, enable the Eurofighter Typhoon to effectively target enemy air defences. Its long range and large payload ensure excellent performance in various supression missions such as Fighter Sweep, Dedicated SEAD and Self Protection.
Configuration
6 x Alarm
4 x AMRAAM
2 x ASRAAM
1 x 1000 Litre fuel tank
Close Air Support
The Eurofighter Typhoon is ideally suited to the role of Close Air Support, as it can remain on task for long periods of time with large flexible weapon loads. These loads include extensive Air-to-Surface weapon configurations as well as retaining full Air-to-Air capability. Its sophisticated sensor suite allows close co-ordination with ground commanders and the identification of individual targets. Its high manoeuvrability and sophisticated weaponry allow effective operations over the battlefield.
Configuration
16 x Brimstone
4 x AMRAAM
2 x ASRAAM
1 x 1000 litre fuel tank
Maritime Attack
The Eurofighter Typhoon''s dedicated radar modes and datalink allow it to operate autonomously or as part of an offensive force. The passive modes of delivery allow undetected low-level approach to the target.
Configuration
4 x Penguin
4 x AMRAAM
2 x ASRAAM
2 x 1500 litre fuel tank
1 x 1000 litre fuel tank