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Build-up problems for Eurofighter series production have been under control for some time and are irrelevant to further programme workflow

Munich/Vienna, 07 September 2002

In its advance report today, the Hamburg-based magazine "DER SPIEGEL" reports among other things on 'technical problems during the build-up of series production' for the European fighter aircraft Eurofighter, in particular concerning the manufacture of the carbon fibre skins for the vertical tail unit. EADS, as part of the manufacturing consortium, emphasises that these production build-up difficulties actually arose several months ago at a partner company's production plant. The deficiencies mentioned occurred during the implementation of an automated production unit and only affected a few of the tail unit skins for the first series aircraft ready for delivery. The manufacturing process has already been brought up to the required standard several months ago and is now running smoothly. The air forces to be supplied with the Eurofighter were informed of the matter by the manufacturing consortium. The companies involved have assured the air forces that they will complete the aircrafts' entry into service in accordance with the national planning criteria and the contractual agreements. To this end, the training for the first flight instructors of the German Luftwaffe will begin as planned in April 2003 at EADS in Manching so that flight operations within the first German Eurofighter air wing can be commenced in October of the same year, also as planned. A danger which was insinuated by "DER SPIEGEL" concerning flight operations with the Eurofighter series aircraft has been strenuously repudiated by the industry.

In addition, EADS emphasises that the conjecture occasionally expressed by the media that Great Britain intends to reduce the quantity of Eurofighter aircraft ordered was rejected as incorrect by Prime Minister Tony Blair only a few weeks ago.

Please refer any media inquiries to:
EADS Military Aircraft, Wolfdietrich Hoeveler, +49 89 607 32822