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Eurofighter IPA1 passes further tests

20 May 2002

IPA1, the first production standard Eurofighter, based at BAE Systems Warton successfully completed five further flights within 10 days since her maiden flight.

All six flights have been performed as part of the intensive flight test programme currently taking place on the Eurofighter programme. All of IPA1's flights, including her first, have been utilised for Production Flight Acceptance Testing, air data testing or testing of the new, state-of-the-art, production stick top.

The aircraft has proven to be extremely robust with turnaround between flights being achieved in 45 minutes.Over this period there have only been two minor snags, which is testament to the outstanding production processes that have been developed across the programme and in particular in the assembly areas at BAE Systems.

A major event that has taken place during this period is that the first UK customers have successfully flown the aircraft.On IPA1's fifth flight, which was to test the production standard control stick, Flight Lieutenant Will Jonas was the pilot with Squadron Leader Brian Kemp in the rear seat. Both are RAF test pilots working for the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre (ATEC) with QinetiQ at Boscombe Down.

After flying the aircraft Flt Lt Will Jonas said: 'To get the chance to fly IPA1 at such an early stage in its life was a great thrill. The aircraft was a joy to fly, extremely pilot friendly, and I'm already looking forward to my next sortie!'

Ross Bradley, Managing Director Eurofighter Typhoon, said: 'The aircraft has performed exceptionally and in doing so has proved the production processes we have developed for the programme. It is a remarkable feat that we have built and flown the first production standard Eurofighter in less time than the last Tornado. This is a credit to everyone who has been involved in the programme and something from which they should take tremendous pride.'

The aircraft is now on lay-up, which will see IPA1 undergo upgrading of some avionics equipment, installation of a flight refuelling probe and completion of work on the flight test instrumentation. It will then undergo ground resonance,electro-magnetic compatibility and Stage-B testing, as well as being painted.