Successful heavy weapon load trial for Typhoon
03 May 2006
A Eurofighter Typhoon new-generation, swing-role fighter, operated by BAE Systems flight test team has successfully completed its first flutter trial to prove the aerodynamic stability of the aircraft in a heavy, air-to-surface, weapons configuration.
This important milestone will further improve Typhoons true multi-role capability, which will allow it to be deployed across a wide spectrum of operational missions. Six Paveway II and 2 AIM9L (Sidewinder) missiles, plus a centreline fuel tank, were carried during this trial.
Mark Bowman, BAE Systems Typhoon project pilot said: The advanced flight control system of Typhoon means that even with this heavy war load the pilot is still able to manoeuvre the aircraft as a 'care-free' fighter, safe in the knowledge that the computers will be wringing-out every last ounce of turning and rolling performance. With lots of engine performance in reserve, all the corners of the envelope can be reached quickly and easily.
Further trials with the heavy weapon configuration will include in-flight measurement of the vibration environment for the stores, carefree handling and store release and jettison trials.
Eurofighter Typhoon is Europes largest defence contract. In service with the four partner nations, it will provide a cornerstone of NATOs defence capability for the next 30 years and has been designed, from the outset, to evolve in order to meet all envisaged future defence threats.
Strong emphasis has been placed on reducing cost of ownership in addition to outstanding performance and flight safety. Typhoon is s true swing-role aircraft, capable of defending itself from ground and air attack, destroying enemy radar and attacking land targets, carrying out the roles traditionally undertaken by three aircraft types.
Capable of accelerating from brakes off to supersonic in less than 30 seconds, the data processed by Typhoons onboard systems is equivalent to the full contents of the bible, twice every second.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $28 billion.
For further information, please contact:
Debbie Stott, BAE Systems Senior Communications Advisor
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852995
debbie.stott@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384795
john.neilson@baesystems.com
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