Showing posts with label EF-2000 TYPHOON. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EF-2000 TYPHOON. Show all posts
European Consortium Offering Its Science Fiction-Evoking Helmet to the Indian Air Force (IAF)
The European Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is offering its almost science fiction-evoking helmet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of its bid to win the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, according to company sources. The helmet can enable a pilot to lock-on target and shoot by voice command, merely after looking at the target.Company sources confirmed to StratPost that the Eurofighter Typhoon Helmet Mounted Symbology System, developed by BAE Systems and released last July, was part of its offering to the IAF. BAE Systems had issued a press release on the helmet earlier this month, calling it something out of Star Wars, in a reference to its seemingly filmy capabilities, where it said the helmet ‘lets the pilot see through the body of the aircraft’.
“Using the new helmet system, the pilot can now look at multiple targets, lock-on to them, and then, by voice-command, prioritize them. It’s a lightning-fast system to let the pilot look, lock-on, and fire,” said BAE Systems of the system, which also brings to mind the thought-controlled weapons system onboard the fictional MiG-31 in the Clint Eastwood-starring Firefox.
The helmet has a number of fixed sensors, which move in relation to the sensors on the aircraft as the pilot moves his head, ‘ensuring the aircraft knows exactly where and what he is looking at’. Apparently, the pilot can zero-in on targets even if they’re out of line of sight or nowhere in the range of the aircraft vector.
Pilots of British Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoons are expected to be become the first users of this helmet sometime this year.
IAF to Chose From Eurofighter and Rafael: MRCA
After exhaustive trials of six fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) has made its choice clear to the Government on the kind of fighter jets needed. Frontrunners for the force are French fighter Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon built by the European consortium. Bernhard Gerwert, Chief, EADS, says “If you are taking into account the portfolio of EADS we can bring the bridge between civil aviation and military aviation.” But the Americans and Russians have lost out. Boeing’s F18 no longer a frontrunner and Sweden’s Gripen too falling off the Indian radar. Despite MiG 35s big thunder, its engine failing to impress while the F-16, according to the IAF has no future. Another reason favouring Rafale and Eurofighter is political. Thomas Matussek, German Ambassador, “We regard India as a strategic security partner and this is why we do not insist on an end user monitoring agreement period.” So when the mother of all defence deals is signed for the 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft either Rafale or the Eurofighter will fly away with the Rs 42,000 crore deal.
The Future Of Indian Air Force – MMRCA
The Indian Air Force’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)competition is nearing completion. Indian Air Chief Marshal PV Naikrecently said that the contract for supplying 126 MMRCA fighters to theIAF will be signed soon.
On July, 2010, IAF completed itsevaluation report of the field trials conducted for six global fighterscontending for the MMRCA deal.
The evaluation report was thensubmitted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) whereon it will be discussedby the Cabinet Committee on Security, after which the process ofawarding the contract would be initiated. Once the MoD finalises theshortlisted contenders, the complex process of negotiations will beginleading to the awarding of the deal to the winner.
India's $10.4 billion tender to acquire 126 fighter aircraft
India'splanned multi-billion dollar aircraft deal is the biggest contract eversince the 1990s. In 2001, IAF sent out its request for information(RFI) for the 126 fighters. After delays lasting almost 2 years beyondthe planned December 2005 issue date, the Ministry of Defence finallyannounced a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) on August 2007.
Sixglobal fighters – Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper, Eurofighter'sTyphoon, Russian United Aircraft Corporation's Mikoyan MiG-35, France'sDassault Aviation's Rafale, Swedish SAAB's Gripen and Boeing's F/A-18Super Hornet – had submitted their bids in response to it.
Accordingto reports, the Indian government will be buying the first 18 aircraftdirectly from the manufacturer. The remaining fighters will be builtunder licence with a transfer of technology (ToT) by HindustanAeronautics Limited (HAL) based in Bangalore, India.
The delivery will start within 36 months of contract signing and will be completed 48 months later.
The competitors for the MMRCA deal
Whenthe RFIs were announced, six contenders bid for the order- the SaabGripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG-35 and theAmerican F-16IN and F/A-18IN. Out of these six, Russia’s Mikoyan andFrance’s Dassault companies are regular suppliers of aircraft to theIAF compared to the other four contenders.
The six contending fighters for the deal are the latest combat aircraft that are being developed or fielded today.
Eurofighter TyphoonOn July, 2010, IAF completed itsevaluation report of the field trials conducted for six global fighterscontending for the MMRCA deal.
The evaluation report was thensubmitted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) whereon it will be discussedby the Cabinet Committee on Security, after which the process ofawarding the contract would be initiated. Once the MoD finalises theshortlisted contenders, the complex process of negotiations will beginleading to the awarding of the deal to the winner.
India's $10.4 billion tender to acquire 126 fighter aircraft
India'splanned multi-billion dollar aircraft deal is the biggest contract eversince the 1990s. In 2001, IAF sent out its request for information(RFI) for the 126 fighters. After delays lasting almost 2 years beyondthe planned December 2005 issue date, the Ministry of Defence finallyannounced a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) on August 2007.
Sixglobal fighters – Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper, Eurofighter'sTyphoon, Russian United Aircraft Corporation's Mikoyan MiG-35, France'sDassault Aviation's Rafale, Swedish SAAB's Gripen and Boeing's F/A-18Super Hornet – had submitted their bids in response to it.
Accordingto reports, the Indian government will be buying the first 18 aircraftdirectly from the manufacturer. The remaining fighters will be builtunder licence with a transfer of technology (ToT) by HindustanAeronautics Limited (HAL) based in Bangalore, India.
The delivery will start within 36 months of contract signing and will be completed 48 months later.
The competitors for the MMRCA deal
Whenthe RFIs were announced, six contenders bid for the order- the SaabGripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG-35 and theAmerican F-16IN and F/A-18IN. Out of these six, Russia’s Mikoyan andFrance’s Dassault companies are regular suppliers of aircraft to theIAF compared to the other four contenders.
The six contending fighters for the deal are the latest combat aircraft that are being developed or fielded today.
TheEurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine canard-delta wing multiroleaircraft designed and built by a European consortium of threecompanies: Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems, and EADS working through aholding company Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986. Theaircraft has high agility at supersonic speed and also has asupercruise capability that can fly at sustained supersonic speedsoffering high reliability.
Eurofighter is offering the Tranche-3Typhoon for the Indian requirement, equipped with the Captor-E (CAESAR)AESA radar. The aircraft also has a broad spectrum of operationaladvantages, such as excellent adaptability to severe weatherconditions, high mission effectiveness and survivability in threatsituations. EADS has even invited India to become a partner for theEurofighter Typhoon programme if the Typhoon wins the MMRCA contract,and will be given technological and development participation in futuretranches of the Typhoon.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
TheBoeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine 4.5 generationcarrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The Super Hornet is a largerand more advanced variant of the F/A-18C/D Hornet.
The singleseat F/A-18/E and the two seat F/A-18/F flies greater ranges, withheavier payloads using a more powerful engine which provides greatersurvivability. Its powerful AN/APG-79 AESA radar has generatedsignificant interest in India. This radar could allow Super Hornets toplay a unique role in India’s fighter fleet due to their radar’sperformance and information sharing abilities.
Boeing hasproposed joint manufacturing of the fighters with Indian partners. Italso plans to offset the cost by setting up a $100 million maintenanceand training hub in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This is the first time thatthe Super Hornet has been offered for production in a foreign country.
Onthe availability of Super Hornet's APG-79 AESA radar, the US governmenthas given its approval but has stated that there would be somerestrictions and pre-conditions for the purchase of the aircraft.
Dassault Rafale
TheRafale is a French twin-engined delta-wing agile multi-role4.5th-generation fighter aircraft designed and built by DassaultAviation. The Rafale participated the MMRCA tender as a replacement forthe Mirage 2000-5.
The fighter aircraft is capable of carryingout a wide range of short and long-range missions that include groundand sea attack, air defence and high accuracy strike or nuclear strikedeterrence.
The Rafale has the advantage of being logisticallyand operationally similar to the Mirage 2000. The aircraft has adistinct advantage as it was used with great success during the KargilWar in 1999.
Since the IAF has already been equipped with theFrench Mirage 2000 fighters, the inclusion of Rafale would requirefewer changes in the existing infrastructure of the IAF, which in turnwill reduce cost.
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) is againsmooth with no end user restrictions. The French government has alreadycleared full technology transfer of the Rafale to India, including thatof the RBE2-AA AESA radar, which will be integrated with the fighter by2010, and has also cleared the transfer of source codes.
Initiallyit was reported that Rafale was declared out of the race after it didnot meet India’s technical evaluation criteria. The recommendation wasmade by the Technical Evaluation Committee, as Dassault did not provideinformation on some equipment and add-ons that the IAF wanted in theaircraft. But later on, at a meeting of the Defence Procurement Board,the fighter aircraft was allowed to re-enter the race.
Lockheed Martin F-16 Super Viper
TheF-16IN Super Viper is a unique new fighter sharing a heritage with theworld's only fifth generation fighters – the F-35 Lightning II JointStrike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor. The Super Viper has the mostadvanced technologies and capabilities which include AN/APG-80 AESAradar, Net-Centric Warfare capability, an infrared search and track(IRST) system, advanced survivability features, enhanced high-thrustengines and proven combat and operational effectiveness.
Indiainitially sent the RFI for the F-16C/D Block 52+ configurationaircraft. But, Lockheed Martin proposed the customised F-16IN for theMMRCA competition. If F-16IN wins the contract, then Lockheed Martinwill also offer to sell the F-35 lightning aircraft in future asreplacements.
But the Indian government and IAF have neverseemed very keen on buying the F-16s as the Pakistan Air Force alreadyoperates the same warplane. The capabilities of the F-16s also appearto be similar to that of the Mirage 2000s operated by the IAF.
SAAB Gripen IN
The SAAB Gripen is a lightweight single engine multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company SAAB.
GripenIN (a version of the Gripen NG- Next Generation) is the mosttechnologically advanced fighter and is equipped with futuristicwarfare technologies developed specifically for India. The Gripen NGhas increased fuel capacity, more powerful powerplant, higher payload,upgraded avionics and other improvements.
The fighter aircrafthas a powerful and proven GE’s F414G engine, AESA radar, advancedcommunication system, advanced electronic warfare, tactical data link,and advanced weapons capacity. Its other strengths include the abilityoperate from roads instead of runways if necessary and also reasonablepurchase cost.
SAAB, if wins the bid, is willing to form a jointventure with Indian aerospace industry with the aim to develop the nextgeneration of fighters and also provide access to all levels oftechnology.
Mikoyan MiG-35
TheMikoyan MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) is a further development of the MiG-29M/M2and MiG-29K/KUB. The IAF already operates MiG-29s, and the Navy hasordered MiG-29K/KUBs for its INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant-classaircraft carriers.
The single seat version is designated MiG-35and the two-seat version is MiG-35D. The fighter has vastly improvedavionics and weapon systems, notably the new Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESAradar, the RD-33MK engines and the newly designed Optical LocatorSystem (OLS).
The IAF already has maintenance facilities for theMiG-29. Therefore, it will be very much easier to buy the Russian-madeaircraft with a minimum of expenditure on infrastructure. Also Russiais willing to give full ToT, which is an added advantage. Russia hasprovided support for equipments in the past also during internationalsanctions.
Comparison
Allsix contenders are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and AESA(Active Electronically Scanned Array) airborne radar with only marginaldifferences in performance. There is also little difference in theirarmament carrying capacity and, where needed, suchchanges/modifications should be possible.
The Dassault Rafale,the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet are alltwin-engine fighters in the 25-30 tonne class. All of them arereportedly very expensive. The MiG-35, also a twin-engined aircraft,was first unveiled at Aero India Show-2007 at Bangalore, India. Itsofficial price is still unknown but will preferably be lower than theother expensive bidders. The other two competitors, F-16IN and GripenIN are relatively lightweight fighters but can carry a weapon load ofaround 8000 kg. Both are highly manoeuvrable multirole fighters.
Conclusion
Thefinal chapter on the 'mother of all deals' – the MMRCA competition –will be written soon and major issues like access to technology,technology transfer, reliable spares and maintenance support throughoutthe projected life of the aircraft, etc will play key role in thedecision making. There are media reports that political factor islikely to influence the choice of the MMRCA other than the performanceand cost.
The contract is likely to be wrapped up sometime next year, and the MMRCA is expected to join the IAF fleet in early 2017.
Currently,the strength of the IAF is 34 squadrons (over 640 aircraft). By 2022,the IAF fighters’ fleet would comprise of the Sukhois, indigenous LightCombat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas', MMRCA, indigenous Medium Combat Aircraftand fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) that India is developingjointly with the Russians.
Finally, whatever be the result ofthis on-going competition, the inclusion of these MMRCA will definitelyform a strong backbone for the Indian Air Force.
First Saudi Typhoon Aircraft Rolled Out
The ceremony, which was attended by the Saudi Assistant Minister ofDefence and Aviation, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan binAbdul Aziz Al Saud, representing the Saudi Deputy Prime Minister andMinister of Defence and Aviation, His Royal Highness Crown PrinceSultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the Minister for the Armed Forces, Mr Bill Rammell, representing the Secretary of State for Defence, included a fly past by one of the RSAF Typhoons.
This represents another significant stage in the progress of theSalam Project, which covers the supply of 72 Typhoon aircraft tothe Royal Saudi Air Force in accordance with the Understanding Document signed by both Governments.
The Minister for the Armed Forces, Bill Rammell, said:
"This ceremony is a very significant milestone for the Salam Project. The Royal Saudi AirForce is getting a fantastic aircraft. Typhoon is a world-class,multi-role aircraft and will provide the RSAF with the defencecapability it needs to meet the defence challenges of today and for the foreseeable future.
"The industrial benefits of the Project are also substantial forboth nations and will help to sustain several thousand, skilled jobs inthe UK and Saudi Arabia over the next ten years."
Background Information
- The Governments of Saudi Arabia and the UK signed a formal understanding in 1985 for thesupply of Tornado IDS, Tornado ADV, Hawk and PC-9 aircraft, togetherwith associated support services, equipment, weapons, ammunition and electronic warfare systems; the aircraft have all since been delivered.
- The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) in 1986 elaborating the arrangements put in place the previousyear. This formalised the role of British Aerospace (BAe) (as it wascalled at the time) as the main contractorfor the whole programme, andestablished a UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Project Office then withinthe Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) to coordinate theactivities of UK MOD in support of the programme, and to monitor thecontracted activities of BAe. The two governments signed the "New BuyTornado Agreement"for the supply of additional Tornado IDS aircraft in 1993.
- On 21 December 2005 the then Secretary of State for Defence, DrJohn Reid, signed an Understanding Document which was intended toestablish a greater partnership in modernising the Saudi Arabian ArmedForces and develop close service-to-service contacts, especiallythrough joint trainingand exercises. Under the terms of the document it was agreed thatTyphoon aircraft would replace Tornado ADV aircraft and otherscurrently in service withthe Royal Saudi Air Force. BAE Systems wouldalso invest in local Saudi companies, develop an industrial technologyplan, and provide suitable training for thousands of Saudi nationalsproviding through life support for key in-service equipments.
- On 17 September 2007, the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the UKannounced that agreement had been reached on the sale of 72 Typhoonaircraft. This new defence cooperation programme, which has beendesignated the Salam Project, will eventually be supported bysubstantial logistical and training packages. The final details ofthese support packages are still subject to further discussion betweenthe Governments, but limited aircrew and technician training hasalready started inthe UK in preparation for the delivery of the first Typhoon aircraft to Saudi Arabia later this summer. The Roll-Out ceremony marks the beginning of the delivery stage of the Salam Project.
- Role of UK MOD: The 1986 MOU requires the UK Government to ensure that all equipment, spares, training and technical work supplied by the main contractor (BAE Systems) are in accordance with Saudi requirements. This requirement will continue for the Salam Project. BAE Systems'performance in meeting requirements is monitored by the MoD's DirectorGeneral Saudi Armed Forces Project (DGSAP) and his staff, based inLondon andSaudi Arabia.
RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 in Final Stages
The NATO Eurofighter Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) will continuenegotiations with industry with a view to getting the best possibledeal for the Partner Nations (UK, Germany, Italy and Spain).Negotiations will address both procurement and support costs.
The Prime Minister said:
"I am pleased that we are moving forward with this important programme with our partner nations. This will strengthen Britain's defence capability, and will create new jobs in advanced manufacturing that Britain needs to emerge stronger and fitter from this global downturn.
The Defence Secretary John Hutton said:
"We look forward to receiving an affordable bid from European industrythat will allow us to proceed with a programme that will deliveradvanced multi-role aircraft to the Royal Air Force and maintainhigh-technology skills and industrial capability acrossthe UK and Europe.
"Subject to the satisfactory outcome of these negotiations, I hopethat we will be in a position to sign a contract later this year."
The MoD will now initial the ministerial agreement which the otherpartner nations (Germany, Italy and Spain) signed on 2 April 2009. Thisagreement contains a statement of principles, including the need toachieve significant through-life savings, which will underpin the nextstage of negotiations between NETMA which acts as the contracting agenton behalf of the partner nations and industry.
The contract for the third tranche of Typhoon aircraft will besigned once there is a satisfactory conclusion to these negotiations,and each Partner Nation's Approving Authority has accepted the terms ofagreement.
Eurofighter-2000 Typhoon
DESIGN
To achieve high instantaneous and sustained performance, the configuration chosen was Delta wings with canards. This unstable design is controlled by an advanced quadruplex Active Control Technology (ACT) fully digital system. The canardsare placed closer to the nose, unlike the ones in Rafale and Gripen.This allows an increase in AoA, with a little compromise in sidewaysview from the canopy. The sturdy structure of the Typhoon allows it tooperate from rough airfields.AVIONICS SUITE
Attack and Identification System (AIS)
From the very beginning, the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) was designed to employ a high level of sensor-fusion to help reduce pilot workload during combat. This allows the Eurofighter Typhoon pilot to create a better picture of the whole combat scenario and therefore he can act in a better manner.Combining all data streams from the major on-board sensorsconjunction with any information obtained from external and off-boardplatforms such as JSTARS, ASTOR, AWACS or even otherEurofighter's via the Multi-function Information Distribution System,the AIS gives pilots unprecedented awareness of the situation in thesky and allows them to concentrate on their task to carry out themission. Equipments such as the DASS, navigation, ACS and communications are also integrated into the AIS.
ECR-90 CAPTOR
The CAPTOR radar is the primary sensor of theTyphoon. It is a third generation coherent X-band (8 to 12 GHz)multi-mode Pulse Doppler system developed from GEC's Harrier FA.2 BlueVixen system. Some features of the CAPTOR system are -
• It uses DAS (Data Adaptive Scanning) to provide accurate information on selected targets and minimizes unnecessary antenna movement.
• For Close Combat, CAPTOR switches to High Precision Single Target Track.
• The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode offered by Tranche-1 Eurofighter's gives a 1m resolution (with improvement due in Tranche-2)
• The CAPTOR is mechanically scanned radar, yet it is able tointerleave different modes due to exceptional scan rates (credited tothe Low inertia non-counterbalanced antenna coupled with four hightorque, high precision samarium-cobalt drive motors)
• To increase effectiveness in a heavy ECM situation, the CAPTOR has a dedicated Third Channel to screen ECM sources. When performance degradation is detected in the radar, the AIS compensates by using other sensors.
• 61 Shop Replaceable Items (or SRIs) and around 6 Line ReplaceableUnits (or LRUs) enable the CAPTOR to be upgraded easily and give aquick maintenance turn-around.
• Tests conducted in 1997 showed that CAPTOR could trackfighter-sized targets at a range of 160 kms. While this seems anexaggerated range for mechanically scanned radar, the range of theCAPTOR radar is bound to be impressive.
• Capable of tracking 20 targets, the CAPTOR has a range accuracy of 10m, and can obtain a target angle within 1 mm.
In the coming years, the CAPTOR will be replaced by AMSAR (AirborneMulti-mode Solid-state Active-array Radar). This radar will equip boththe European fighters - the Typhoon and the Rafale (France).
PIRATE IRST
In the modern combat scenario, an aircraftconstantly using its radar is target practice for the enemy. To reducethe usage of radar, a few measures or a combination of these measuresis followed. First is the use of secure-datalinks to downloadinformation from sources such as AWACS, JSTARS, GC and even otherfighters having this capability. Second is to use Passive systems likeInfrared sensors, something that the Russian fighters have been usingsince a long time.
PIRATE system in the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) is designed to allow the Eurofighter to scan the airspace covertly. If a target is found, radar can beopened and an attack can be commenced. It incorporates both a ForwardLooking Infra Red (FLIR) and Infra Red Search and Track (or IRST)capability. The system itself utilizes a highly sensitive Infra Redsensormounted to the port side of the canopy. This equipment scans acrosswavelengths from 3 to 11 µm in two bands. This allows the detection ofboth the hot exhaust plumes of jet engines as well as surface heatingcaused by friction. Super cooling thesensor can allow detection of evensmall variations in temperature detected at long range. Although nodefinitive ranges have been released an upper limit of 80nm has beenhinted at, a more typical figure would be 30 to 50nm. The actual outputfrom the system can be directed to any of the Multi-function Head DownDisplays mounted within the cockpit. Additionally the image can beoverlaid on both the Helmet Mounted Sight and Head Up Display.
The IIR sensor is stabilized within its mount so that it can maintain a target within its field ofview. Up to 200 targets can be simultaneously tracked by the systemusing one of several different modes; Multiple Target Track (MTT),Single Target Track (STT), Single Target Track Identification (STTI),Sector Acquisition and Slaved Acquisition.
This system allows the Typhoon to attack target without the use ofCAPTOR. Additionally, it allows the Typhoon to engage targets in theheaviest of ECM conditions.
ARMAMENT
One of most striking features of the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) is its internal cannon. It is equipped with a single MauserGmbH developed BK-27 cannon mounted internally in the fuselage forwardof the starboard wing. It utilizes 27mm high explosive shells with amaximum firing rate of some 1700 rounds a minute; each aircraft willlikely carry approximately 150 rounds.
The weapon apparently looks weaker than the 20mm M-61 cannon with a rate of 6000 rounds a minute. But in a fast dogfight, the Mauserwill pour 4 kg of ammo in 0.5 seconds while M-62 would have poured only2 kg. By the time M-61 reaches full firing rate, the target may bemoved considerably. This is particularly if the pilot wishes to takesnap-shots.
Due to cannon's ability to engage moving targets swiftly and withaccuracy, the system was fitted with an automatic firing mode. When theradar solution shows that the target is passing through theline-of-fire of the cannon, it will fire a burst of 27mm and this canbe quite helpful in maneuvering fights.
The primary BVR weapon of the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) will bethe MBDA Meteor rocket-ramjet powered BVRAAM with range well over 100kms. The missile will be guided using a mix of mid-course correctionusing data-link, inertial guidance and active radar in terminal stage.
The primary close-combat weapon of the Typhoon will be the AIM-132ASRAAM 4th generation AAM. The missile has the capability to engagetargets that are high off-boresight. When used with the HMS, it forms aformidable weapon system.
Other air-air weapons include AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Skyflash, Aspide and IRIS-T.
In air-ground mode, the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) employs themost modern line of precision guided bombs and standoff missiles. Itsarsenal includes Storm Shadow and Taurus standoff missiles, Harpoon andPenguin AShMs, ALARM and HARM ARMs, Brimstone anti-vehicle missile,JDAM and LGBs, BL-755 and DWS-39.
SELF-DEFENSE
The Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) utilizes the DAC(Defensive Aids Computer) to create a 360-degree coverage of allthreats around the aircraft. The DAC fuses all information from theRWR, MAW and LWR (RAF only).
While the current MAW is an active system, the PIMAW is underdevelopment, which will allow detection of missile command linkspassively. The LWR or Laser Warning Receiver is unique to the RAFTyphoon and allows the system to detect and Lasers that are beingdirected on the aircraft. This takes away the covert attack capabilitypossessed by Laser-Range Finder and IRST equipped Fulcrum and Flankerseries of aircrafts.
Apart from these systems, the Typhoon uses standard Chaff and Flaredispensers, ECM system and also Towed Decoys to defeat any incomingweapons.
PROPULSION
The EJ200 is an advanced design based on a fullymodular augmented twin-spool low bypass layout. At its maximum drythrust of 60kN (or 13,500lbf) the EJ200's SFC is in the order of23g/kN.s. With reheat the engine delivers around 90-100kN (or20,250-22,500lbf) of thrust with an SFC of some 49g/kN.s.
The engine allows the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) to achievesuper-sonic speed (up to Mach 1.5) without the use of re-heat and alsogives the it a very high Thrust-to-weight ratio, a factor that is vitalin all forms of air combat.
From the very beginning, the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) was designed to employ a high level of sensor-fusion to help reduce pilot workload during combat. This allows the Eurofighter Typhoon pilot to create a better picture of the whole combat scenario and therefore he can act in a better manner.Combining all data streams from the major on-board sensorsconjunction with any information obtained from external and off-boardplatforms such as JSTARS, ASTOR, AWACS or even otherEurofighter's via the Multi-function Information Distribution System,the AIS gives pilots unprecedented awareness of the situation in thesky and allows them to concentrate on their task to carry out themission. Equipments such as the DASS, navigation, ACS and communications are also integrated into the AIS.
ECR-90 CAPTOR
The CAPTOR radar is the primary sensor of theTyphoon. It is a third generation coherent X-band (8 to 12 GHz)multi-mode Pulse Doppler system developed from GEC's Harrier FA.2 BlueVixen system. Some features of the CAPTOR system are -
• It uses DAS (Data Adaptive Scanning) to provide accurate information on selected targets and minimizes unnecessary antenna movement.
• For Close Combat, CAPTOR switches to High Precision Single Target Track.
• The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode offered by Tranche-1 Eurofighter's gives a 1m resolution (with improvement due in Tranche-2)
• The CAPTOR is mechanically scanned radar, yet it is able tointerleave different modes due to exceptional scan rates (credited tothe Low inertia non-counterbalanced antenna coupled with four hightorque, high precision samarium-cobalt drive motors)
• To increase effectiveness in a heavy ECM situation, the CAPTOR has a dedicated Third Channel to screen ECM sources. When performance degradation is detected in the radar, the AIS compensates by using other sensors.
• 61 Shop Replaceable Items (or SRIs) and around 6 Line ReplaceableUnits (or LRUs) enable the CAPTOR to be upgraded easily and give aquick maintenance turn-around.
• Tests conducted in 1997 showed that CAPTOR could trackfighter-sized targets at a range of 160 kms. While this seems anexaggerated range for mechanically scanned radar, the range of theCAPTOR radar is bound to be impressive.
• Capable of tracking 20 targets, the CAPTOR has a range accuracy of 10m, and can obtain a target angle within 1 mm.
In the coming years, the CAPTOR will be replaced by AMSAR (AirborneMulti-mode Solid-state Active-array Radar). This radar will equip boththe European fighters - the Typhoon and the Rafale (France).
PIRATE IRST
In the modern combat scenario, an aircraftconstantly using its radar is target practice for the enemy. To reducethe usage of radar, a few measures or a combination of these measuresis followed. First is the use of secure-datalinks to downloadinformation from sources such as AWACS, JSTARS, GC and even otherfighters having this capability. Second is to use Passive systems likeInfrared sensors, something that the Russian fighters have been usingsince a long time.
PIRATE system in the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) is designed to allow the Eurofighter to scan the airspace covertly. If a target is found, radar can beopened and an attack can be commenced. It incorporates both a ForwardLooking Infra Red (FLIR) and Infra Red Search and Track (or IRST)capability. The system itself utilizes a highly sensitive Infra Redsensormounted to the port side of the canopy. This equipment scans acrosswavelengths from 3 to 11 µm in two bands. This allows the detection ofboth the hot exhaust plumes of jet engines as well as surface heatingcaused by friction. Super cooling thesensor can allow detection of evensmall variations in temperature detected at long range. Although nodefinitive ranges have been released an upper limit of 80nm has beenhinted at, a more typical figure would be 30 to 50nm. The actual outputfrom the system can be directed to any of the Multi-function Head DownDisplays mounted within the cockpit. Additionally the image can beoverlaid on both the Helmet Mounted Sight and Head Up Display.
The IIR sensor is stabilized within its mount so that it can maintain a target within its field ofview. Up to 200 targets can be simultaneously tracked by the systemusing one of several different modes; Multiple Target Track (MTT),Single Target Track (STT), Single Target Track Identification (STTI),Sector Acquisition and Slaved Acquisition.
This system allows the Typhoon to attack target without the use ofCAPTOR. Additionally, it allows the Typhoon to engage targets in theheaviest of ECM conditions.
ARMAMENT
One of most striking features of the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) is its internal cannon. It is equipped with a single MauserGmbH developed BK-27 cannon mounted internally in the fuselage forwardof the starboard wing. It utilizes 27mm high explosive shells with amaximum firing rate of some 1700 rounds a minute; each aircraft willlikely carry approximately 150 rounds.
The weapon apparently looks weaker than the 20mm M-61 cannon with a rate of 6000 rounds a minute. But in a fast dogfight, the Mauserwill pour 4 kg of ammo in 0.5 seconds while M-62 would have poured only2 kg. By the time M-61 reaches full firing rate, the target may bemoved considerably. This is particularly if the pilot wishes to takesnap-shots.
Due to cannon's ability to engage moving targets swiftly and withaccuracy, the system was fitted with an automatic firing mode. When theradar solution shows that the target is passing through theline-of-fire of the cannon, it will fire a burst of 27mm and this canbe quite helpful in maneuvering fights.
The primary BVR weapon of the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) will bethe MBDA Meteor rocket-ramjet powered BVRAAM with range well over 100kms. The missile will be guided using a mix of mid-course correctionusing data-link, inertial guidance and active radar in terminal stage.
The primary close-combat weapon of the Typhoon will be the AIM-132ASRAAM 4th generation AAM. The missile has the capability to engagetargets that are high off-boresight. When used with the HMS, it forms aformidable weapon system.
Other air-air weapons include AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Skyflash, Aspide and IRIS-T.
In air-ground mode, the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) employs themost modern line of precision guided bombs and standoff missiles. Itsarsenal includes Storm Shadow and Taurus standoff missiles, Harpoon andPenguin AShMs, ALARM and HARM ARMs, Brimstone anti-vehicle missile,JDAM and LGBs, BL-755 and DWS-39.
SELF-DEFENSE
The Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) utilizes the DAC(Defensive Aids Computer) to create a 360-degree coverage of allthreats around the aircraft. The DAC fuses all information from theRWR, MAW and LWR (RAF only).
While the current MAW is an active system, the PIMAW is underdevelopment, which will allow detection of missile command linkspassively. The LWR or Laser Warning Receiver is unique to the RAFTyphoon and allows the system to detect and Lasers that are beingdirected on the aircraft. This takes away the covert attack capabilitypossessed by Laser-Range Finder and IRST equipped Fulcrum and Flankerseries of aircrafts.
Apart from these systems, the Typhoon uses standard Chaff and Flaredispensers, ECM system and also Towed Decoys to defeat any incomingweapons.
PROPULSION
The EJ200 is an advanced design based on a fullymodular augmented twin-spool low bypass layout. At its maximum drythrust of 60kN (or 13,500lbf) the EJ200's SFC is in the order of23g/kN.s. With reheat the engine delivers around 90-100kN (or20,250-22,500lbf) of thrust with an SFC of some 49g/kN.s.
The engine allows the Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-2000) to achievesuper-sonic speed (up to Mach 1.5) without the use of re-heat and alsogives the it a very high Thrust-to-weight ratio, a factor that is vitalin all forms of air combat.
Eurofighter Typhoon Specifications | |
Wing Span | 10.95m |
Length | 14.96m |
Height | 5.28m |
Wing Area | 50m² |
Fore plane Area | 2.4m² |
Empty Weight | 9750 kg (approx) |
Internal Fuel Load | 4000 kg (approx) |
External Store Load | 6500 kg (approx) |
Max T/O Weight | 21000 kg |
Power | · 2 EJ200 Turbofan Engines · 20,000 lbf (90 kN) each with Afterburner · 13,500 lbf (60 kN) each without Afterburner |
Maximum Speed | 2125 km/hr |
Time to 10670m | 2.5 minutes |
Runway Requirement | 700m |
T/O run | · 300m · Air combat mission |
Combat Radius | · Ground attack, lo-lo-lo: 601 km · Ground attack, hi-lo-hi: 1389 km · Air defense with 3hr CAP: 185 km · Air defense with 10-min loiter: 1389 km |
G Limits | +9/-3 w/ internal fuel and two AIM-120 |
Weapons & Stores | · Internally mounted 27mm Mauser gun · Total of 13 external stores stations: 5 (incl one wet) under fuselage and 4 (incl one wet) under each wing · Mix of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM) and Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAM) carried externally · Four BVRAAM under fuselage in semi-conformal carriage configuration · Laser guided bombs · Advanced anti-armour weapons · Conventionally armed stand-off missiles |
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