RAF Typhoons Depart for Singapore
27 Jun 2004
RAF deploys two aircraft 8000 miles to Singapore in the aircrafts first trip outside Europe
Two RAF Typhoon aircraft departed BAE Systems Warton the current home of Typhoon in the UK - at 1013 this morning, bound for Singapore, where the aircraft has been selected for the final phase of the countrys Next Fighter Replacement programme. The Typhoons will spend around two weeks in Singapore, and will return to the UK in July.
This is the first deployment of Typhoon outside Europe, and represents a major challenge at this early stage of the aircrafts in-service life the aircraft has been in service with the RAF since late 2003.
Whilst Typhoon is being deployed to Singapore for an evaluation as part of the Next Fighter Replacement programme, the requirement has coincided with a need to test a number of elements of Typhoon. So a deployment to Singapore fulfils a number of objectives including initial operational trials of Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), testing the supportability of the aircraft and evaluating its performance in a hot and humid environment.
Officer Commanding 17 (R) Squadron the RAF Squadron undertaking the evaluation Wg Cdr David Chan commented:
“Weve been operating the aircraft for six months now, and purely from a pilots perspective its been an enormously enjoyable experience. This deployment will give us a fantastic opportunity to further evaluate the aircraft in a very different environment. I have to say, I consider it an honour to lead the first deployment of the aircraft outside of the home nations, and I look forward to the challenges ahead”
Sqn Ldr Geordie Evans, Senior Engineering Officer for 17 (R) Squadron added:
“From an engineering perspective, this is very early in the aircrafts life cycle to undertake an exercise of such magnitude. But in the six months or so weve been working this aircraft it has far exceeded our expectations in terms of serviceability and reliability, allowing us to fly more sorties than we planned at this stage. I have every confidence as we embark on this deployment.”
Ian Malin, BAE Systems Campaign Director, thanked the RAF, saying:
“Typhoon has shown considerable export potential, with an order in Austria and selection by Greece, along with selection for the final phase of the competition in Singapore. We are absolutely delighted that the British Government and RAF are able to support us by undertaking this deployment. I am sure Typhoon will demonstrate the same outstanding performance it has shown since it entered service”
About Typhoon:
The Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, developed by the leading aerospace companies, Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems and EADS, of the four partner countries, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Eurofighter Typhoon features unrivalled technology, designed for the defence needs of the 21st Century.
Agile and highly maneuverable, the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to operate from hastily prepared bases and small runways for worldwide operations. It is equipped with an advanced multi-mode radar and an extensive range of sensors and electronic countermeasures.
The aircraft's ability to gain air superiority beyond visual range (BVR) and in close combat, and at the same time deliver high sortie rates against air, naval and ground targets in all weathers with a variety of weapons, demands close attention to pilot workload. In Eurofighter the pilot flies through use of a computerised flight control system, which offers full carefree handling.
A strong emphasis has been placed on reducing cost of ownership in addition to outstanding performance and flight safety. Reliability, low cost of maintenance and a sophisticated on-board testing system ensure ease of day to day management and through life costs. Eurofighter Typhoon is less expensive to run than the generation of aircraft it is designed to replace.
The Eurofighter partner nations will take delivery of 620 aircraft: 180 for Germany, 121 for Italy, 87 for Spain and 232 for the United Kingdom.
The first three production Eurofighter aircraft recently joined the flight test programme following maiden flights in April 2002. Deliveries to the four partner nations commenced in 2003, and the aircraft is now in service with all four customer air forces
Austria recently confirmed its contract for the purchase of 18 aircraft, and Eurofighter Typhoon has also been selected by Greece to meet its requirements for a future fighter. The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence has agreed an industrial participation programme with Eurofighter for the future enhancement of the weapon system, and Singapore has selected Eurofighter Typhoon for the final phase of its Next Generation Fighter competition.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
For further information please contact:
Emma Wilkins, Communications Manager (Typhoon), Warton, Lancs, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852714 Mob +44 7736 810609
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