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future mid-life upgrade of the existing their pace with that of the slowest ship in Cover image: A Royal ghter Typhoon, industry leaders are the convoy. Typhoon FGR4. con dent that a new European ghter Ultimately, the partnership has prevailed Jamie Hunter could become a reality. and the bene ts of joint funding and Inset: BAE TYPHOON This partly stems from the success of a coherent joint plan are now making Systems test pilot Euro ghter, and its journey from concept good their promise, albeit not always in Nat Makepeace to today’s reality o ers valuable lessons. the swiftest of fashions. The early rigid checks an inert TRANCHES MBDA A four-nation European partnership was uniformity of the program has given way beyond-visual Euro ghters are built in three tranches, or the only way that such a costly project to a more versatile approach that is better- range air-to-air batches. could be realized, under the umbrella suited to embracing national aspirations, pre-fl ight. Tranche 1 consisted of 148 aircraft: 33 for Jamie Hunter , 28 for , 19 for and 53 for of the NATO Euro ghter and Tornado and to accommodating a willingness the UK, plus 15 for . S DEFENCE and Management Agency (NETMA). While to share technology and fund spiral Below: Quick Tranche 2 initially covered 236 aircraft. Space looks towards a it ultimately delivered a large  eet development ambitions. reaction alert However, with the UK securing the Royal (QRA) and air Saudi Air Force as the second export manned Future Combat Air of common aircraft, it also served as policing has customer under Project Salam, the gures System (FCAS) as a potential something of a millstone around the Dispelling a dated view become a staple were adjusted. The UK, which brokered the all-new ghter for the 2040 necks of those who sought to push the The initial Tranche 1 Euro ghters were for Eurofi ghter 72-aircraft Saudi order, diverted 24 jets to squadrons supply an initial batch to the RSAF, and an era, the value of maintaining basic entry-into-service-standard Typhoon rst handed over to operator air forces in in Europe. In additional 48 aircraft were added to the a suitable industrial skills base in Europe forward. It was perhaps inevitable that 2003. Initially optimized for the air-to-air addition, all four tranche. The 24 diverted aircraft should have The Euro ghter now has a meaningful demonstrator program. The CAPTOR A been added to the back end of Tranche 2 cannot be underestimated. Whether it individual national requirements and role, only now are we seeing the aircraft partners have foundation as a solid swing-role performer Active Electronically Scanned Array embraced multi- production for the UK but were not, instead comes from FCAS, from partnerships funding would be hard to align; indeed, reaching their potential as versatile, role to an extent. being added to Tranche 3 and counted by Above: The Royal and a clear path of upgrades and capability (CAESAR) was hoped to be the core for in with its TF-X project, or as a the partners were initially forced to set combat-proven, all-rounders. The Royal Air Jamie Hunter the UK as part of its overall commitment. In Saudi Air Force insertions will only help to take the aircraft Tranche 3 Typhoons. The reality is that the event, Tranche 2 took in 299 aircraft: 79 has pressed into the next decade. The type has had the mechanically-scanned CAPTOR has for Germany, 47 for Italy, 34 for Spain and 67 its Typhoons for the UK, plus the 72 for , all of into combat its fair share of bloody noses, but British proven itself highly e ective, and other which were assembled in the UK and have operations Typhoons have  own in two combat upgrades have taken priority with regard been delivered. over Syria and theaters, the aircraft has stood toe-to-toe to funding, but now there is a weight of The Eurofi ghter Typhoon program has proved to be a huge The partner nations eventually agreed to Yemen, armed split Tranche 3 into two parts, 3A and 3B. with II with fth-generation ghters and it has responsibility to provide a capable E-Scan success for the European aerospace industry in terms of Tranche 3A was signed on July 31, 2009, and and IV weapons. earned praise on the international stage. for expectant export customers. capability development and export success — is this set was for just 112 aircraft at an estimated €9 Its last 24 The has pressed its There is a genuine feeling that there is a billion. This divided up as 31 for Germany, 21 jets were built to continue? for Italy, 20 for Spain and 40 for the UK. as Tranche 3 jets into combat over Yemen and it is at the new impetus behind the Typhoon. British Tranche 3B has never been signed. standard. Jamie front of the pack when it comes to getting government-to-government success in The UK’s 40 Typhoons in Tranche 3A Hunter the most capability from them. selling 72 jets to Saudi Arabia, 12 to comprise 16 extra aircraft, plus the 24 diverted to the RSAF from Tranche 2. This Below: Airbus and now 24 to is likely to be joined by e ectively takes the RAF allocation to a total Defence and A bright future? follow-on orders and possible new deals. of 160 aircraft: 53 Tranche 1, 67 Tranche 2 Space delivered The rhetoric surrounding the Euro ghter Many expect Saudi Arabia to buy around and 40 Tranche 3A. the fi rst two Export orders for Oman (12 aircraft), Eurofi ghters in program today is very di erent to ve 24 more ghters and Qatar is likely to take (28) and Qatar (24) take overall the latest P1Eb years ago. The rash of sales in the Middle a further 12. In addition, there is potential production to 623 aircraft. FW (Phase 1 East to Oman, Kuwait and Qatar has o set for new German orders for Euro ghters as a Enhancement Further Work) any fears of slippage in the incremental replacement for the Tornado. Force has stated openly that its Typhoons confi guration phased enhancement (PE) — the new Remarkably, Typhoons continue to roll have  own swing-role combat missions. from the customers will receive jets with the latest o all four partner nations’ nal assembly Getafe fi nal Like so many big-ticket programs, assembly line weapons and systems, and a new active lines, although Getafe in Spain is in the the Typhoon su ered from poor public on January 23. electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. nal throes with just six Euro ghters still perception. Ill-informed observers The remaining Few doubt the importance of the AESA, to be produced for the six of 73 aircraft dubbed the Euro ghter an overpriced, contracted by with Kuwait being the lead customer for by 2019. Even if new sales materialize, a single-role, airshow jet. While tangible Spain will be the so-called Radar 1. For the Typhoon, rationalization of nal assembly must be capability was lacking, this was mainly delivered to the the E-Scan story is a little painful, dating close, even if recent successes are joined by same P1Eb FW due to nancial handcu s being placed standard by back to 2002 when the Euroradar campaign wins in , , on ambitious operators. In reality, the 2019. Eurofi ghter consortium rst launched an E-Scan radar and . Jamie Hunter Typhoon has fared well in turbulent times, evolving against a backdrop of political upheaval in stressed budgetary climates. Establishing that credibility has surely helped to secure a raft of new orders, particularly from the Middle East, serving as a shot in the arm for a project that looked at serious risk of coming to a close at the end of this decade. The export sales have, in turn, helped to underpin domestic funding shortfalls — unifying both industry and air forces in pushing overall capabilities forward.

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There is a defi nite feeling that that was struggling to attract new the more advanced Tranche 2 Typhoons with the French Damoclès export sales. At the same time, top and beyond. ahead of the formal P1Eb clearances, the Typhoon is coming of age. export customer Saudi Arabia was While P1E was a signi cant step, it which subsequently added Paveway IV. that such an upgrade would not be A raft of coherent upgrade pressing ahead with swing-role was painfully slow. The initial contract To add kudos, both the RAF and prohibitively expensive. This received ambitions for its 72 jets. Indeed, the was signed on March 30, 2007 but it the RSAF had the chance to validate OPINION: rather less press coverage than Austria’s projects are at last paying Royal Saudi Air Force was seen as being took until late 2014 to reach the front P1Eb in combat. The RAF deployed its more recent decision to retire its Tranche 1 dividends both for the core every bit as forward-leaning as the RAF line. P1E was divided into two stages — latest-standard Typhoons to to aircraft prematurely, some time between DEBUNKING when it came to Typhoon capability. The P1Ea and P1Eb. In the event, only the join Operation ‘Shader’ in late 2014 and 2020-23. operator nations and for the THE TRANCHE Austria’s defense minister Hans Peter wind was back in the Typhoon’s sails RAF opted to take delivery of a small immediately began ying missions over Doskozil justi ed the decision by European partner companies and the UK in particular was helping to number of P1Ea-upgraded in-service , then Syria. The RSAF had already saying that the aircraft lacked the full on the export stage. both garner international interest and aircraft, with other nations taking been ying periodic sorties against 1 MYTH capabilities needed for Austria’s sovereign develop the aircraft’s capability. P1Ea as an ‘inline  t’ for new Tranche 3 so-called Islamic State (IS) and it also air surveillance mission, conveniently Project ‘Gordian’, or CP193, was the RAF’s aircraft. It was quickly superseded by the put its Typhoons to work in operations omitting the fact that any lack of capability REPORT Jamie Hunter thrust to bring a swing-role capability to was a result of short-sighted attempts Phased enhancement re ned P1Eb. over Yemen. its Tranche 1 aircraft, adding an ‘austere’ to shave cost from the program, which STABLISHING CREDIBILITY Through a fog of di erent acronyms and In broad terms, P1Eb added the Whereas the Tranche 1 jets that went integration of the targeting pod included omitting the Pirate infra- AND capability sums up buzz-phrases, Phase 1 Enhancement Paveway IV precision-guided bomb for into combat in Libya in 2011 had a that enabled the aircraft to self-designate red search and track, elements of the the primary challenge that (or P1E) emerged as the  rst big step the UK, GBU-48 for the Luftwa e and relatively rudimentary UK-only air-to- its own Enhanced Paveway II (EPW2) laser/ DASS (defensive aids sub-system) and has faced the Euro ghter towards taking the Typhoon into the EGBU-16 for Italy and Spain, plus the surface capability, Operation ‘Shader’ saw GPS-guided bombs. integration of the AIM-120 AMRAAM. This multi-role capability was declared But the standard Tranche 1 Typhoon partner companies over the important swing-role environment. The Litening III pod (LDP). the RAF ying a fully functioning multi- to great acclaim with an operational remains one of the most capable and past decade. With notable previous air-to-ground initiative from The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) actually role Tranche 2 Typhoon, harnessing the employment date of July 1, 2008. It most e ective air defense aircraft in disappointments in , the the RAF had been a national e ort for led the way regarding air-to-ground HMSS (helmet-mounted sighting system), provided the Typhoon with a useful E service today, and with proper support precision strike capability that was added (which hasn’t yet the early Tranche 1 jets, whereas P1E capabilities for Tranche 2 jets. It hastily the Litening III pod, the Paveway IV bomb arrangements in place, operators are to the UK’s Block 5-standard jets. procured a new ghter) and , the was aimed squarely and coherently at sought a Paveway II clearance in tandem and other cockpit display re nements. nding costs to be reasonable. Under the The last two years have seen a dramatic Euro ghter and its manufacturing base new TyTAN ((Typhoon Total Availability change in fortunes for the Tranche 1s. Enterprise) initiative, BAE Systems has su ered from a lack of either of these Typhoon ‘Centurion’ The RAF had originally planned to retire committed itself to a goal of achieving a attributes. Limited weapons options At the Farnborough International Air them as an economy measure; indeed, 16 per-hour operating cost equivalent to that and roles, tied to a sluggish four-nation Show in 2014, Euro ghter made a two-seaters are to be reduced to spares by of a (single-engine) Lockheed Martin F-16. the end of 2018, although there are also industrial behemoth, and a high price number of notable announcements, Brig Karl Gruber, the commander of reports that another nation has shown tag, made the Typhoon an easy target all of which were crucial to building the , backed up his interest in purchasing these jets. for criticism. upon P1Eb. Importantly, they included minister, saying that he feared that there Although the Typhoon has a 6,000- ying would be no uniform Tranche 1 system in Operation ‘Ellamy’ in Libya in 2011 has the signing of an integration contract hour life, which may be extended, the future and implying that support for been recognized as a turning-point. The for the MBDA stand- and although the Tranche 1 aircraft the aircraft would become problematic. had all but hibernated o that included BAE only entered full operational service in This is extremely misleading, since the 2005 (after the 18-month ‘Case White’ its pioneering ‘austere air-to-ground’ Systems, and UK RAF has committed to keeping the introduction-to-service period at Warton), role for the Typhoon due to a lack of Leonardo collaborating to integrate Tranche 1 aircraft in service until 2030-35, it was said that those aircraft built in funding, but the ability for pilots to spin the weapon under the so-called Phase thereby ensuring that the type will be fully the rst production tranche would face supported for another 12-17 years. this back up at short notice as the Libya 2 Enhancement (P2E). As well as Storm insurmountable supportability and situation evolved was remarkable. The Shadow, this phase would bring in the obsolescence issues, and that they could The RAF’s Tranche 1 aircraft have been not be economically upgraded to Tranche proving their usefulness in recent times, RAF was coming out of a particularly long-awaited ‘big stick’ of the MBDA 2 standard. The Tranche 1s did use di erent beginning with the type’s use over Libya low ebb after a battering in the Strategic Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air in 2011. In September 2015, Tranche 1s processors, requiring a di erent avionics Defence and Security Review (SDSR) missile (BVRAAM). took over the rotational deployment to By the end of this architecture, and had a di erent front of 2010, and ‘Ellamy’ sparked renewed With both Meteor and Storm Shadow bulkhead, which mitigated against the the Falkland Islands, after six years of year the Royal Air Force will be in enthusiasm with the realization that the work on contract, the RAF was realizing later retro t of an AESA radar, for example. using Tranche 2 Typhoons. More recently, Tranche 1 aircraft were selected for possession of an Typhoon had to step up to the mark as its ambitions for a coherent path towards But many seasoned program insiders impressive swing- Operation ‘Biloxi’, the RAF’s deployment to found this claim puzzling, not least role Typhoon the Tornado GR4’s natural successor. replacing the Tornado GR4. Adding since Euro ghter GmbH once o ered to for a NATO Enhanced Air Policing that is ready The timing of a UK government-to- MBDA’s Dual-Mode Seeker (DMS) commitment, augmenting the Romanian upgrade a number of Austrian Tranche to effectively government deal with Oman for 12 to the Typhoon under the 1 aircraft to Tranche 2 standard at the Air Force’s own MiG-21bis LanceRs and replace the Typhoons in December 2012 came as follow-on P3E completed the picture. company’s own expense — an indication F-16AM/BMs. Jon Lake popular Tornado GR4. Jamie Hunter something of a lifeline for a program Project ‘Centurion’ was born.

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50-55 SUPP_Phased Enhancement C.indd 50 15/02/2018 13:38 50-55 SUPP_Phased Enhancement C.indd 51 15/02/2018 13:38 the prime contractor for the deal, which P5 combat training pod, an enhanced Clockwise from will see deliveries from 2020 until 2023. navigation aid [VOR] and the E-Scan radar far left: Armed to the teeth — this The complex Kuwaiti contract will see CAPTOR with its antenna repositioner.’ Tranche 3 RAF capabilities being provided in two releases Typically, the E-Scan radar story is a Typhoon FGR4 — the rst at entry into service and the complex one. Farnborough 2014 saw carries Paveway IV and Brimstone, second 24 months later in the shape the public unveiling of the prototype two crucial TYTAN of an ‘enhancement package’. Kuwait is Euroradar Captor-E active electronically weapons for the the lead customer for the E-Scan radar, scanned array (AESA) radar tted to BAE air-to-ground role. Captor E, and the jets will be delivered Systems’ instrumented production aircraft Jamie Hunter EFFORT from the Italian production line with the IPA5, serial ZJ700. A second aircraft (IPA8, BAE Systems has Last summer the RAF marked the rst new radar installed. Giancarlo Mezzanatto, GT026/98+08) rst  ew at Manching, been engaged in anniversary of the start of its Typhoon Total Availability Enterprise (TyTAN). Euro ghter program unit vice-president Germany, in September 2017 — this is a fl ight trials with the Captor-E This complete package of servicing and for the Leonardo Aircraft Division says, Tranche 3 twin-seater that is also set to radar during 2017. availability support, in collaboration ‘Production activities started in the second join the E-Scan test program. BAE Systems with BAE Systems, will yield operational half of 2016 and are currently in line with A variety of E-Scan radar standards cost savings of nearly £550 million over The Captor-E sits its 10-year lifespan. These savings are Andy Flynn, the head of capability the baseline plan and, in some cases, have been mooted, starting with the on a repositioner, then being ‘recycled’ into capability delivery programs for combat air at BAE ahead of schedule. EIS (export interim standard) ‘Radar 1’ to which enables developments for the aircraft. Systems, told Combat Aircraft, ‘Through ‘The capability packages for Kuwait will meet initial requirements. ‘Radar 1+’ and the radar array to be moved in TyTAN has seen some fundamental the combined test team approach, include the integration of Storm Shadow even ‘Radar 2’ have been mentioned as a order to increase changes in the way RAF Typhoons are ‘Centurion’ has remained on track. We’re and Brimstone and other air-to-surface means of meeting national requirements, detection angles. serviced, both in terms of recti cations unleashing the full potential of [the] weapons. This con guration foresees but o cially there is a single product. BAE Systems and the periodicity of deep maintenance. With so much experience Typhoon. We are gaining momentum the integration of a new advanced laser ‘The Captor-E radar development Striker II is a of working on the jet, service intervals and we’ve made a lot of progress in the designator pod [the Lockheed Martin program for Typhoon remains on track, night-capable have been extended, with an ambition last couple of years.’ Regarding Brimstone, Sniper] that will expand Euro ghter’s with a number of  ights, with the radar version of the to increase them to 750  ight hours he said, ‘We had an intensive campaign portfolio of cleared laser designator pods, both powered and unpowered, having helmet-mounted between inspections. BAE sighting system Systems says that the Typhoon’s cost last summer, including nine rings and the introduction of the DRS-Cubic ACMI now taken place as part of the scheduled (HMSS). nine jettisons.’ According to Flynn the Jamie Hunter per  ight hour is now comparable to that of an F-16, and is expected to come next phase will be a trial installation at No 41 Test and down further. The cost reductions will RAF Coningsby; No 41 TES will then run Evaluation likely help support the UK’s national its formal operational evaluation over the Fury programs, which provide rapid as well as having a limited aggressor role. summer, before it goes to the front line for Typhoon FGR4 capability enhancements outside the This will enable the service to free up the ZK315 taxies at training. As for timelines, Flynn says both core Euro ghter structure. RAF KEEPS more advanced Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoons Coningsby on The Chief of the Air Sta , Air Chief BAE Systems and the RAF have maintained for higher-end, multi-role, expeditionary January 23, 2018, Marshal (ACM) Sir Stephen Hillier, said, for a live Storm the delivery objective for ‘Centurion’ of operations, with the two Tranche 1 units ‘In the RAF today we are working hard TRANCHE 1 Shadow fi ring being likely to shoulder more of the with our industrial partners to enhance December 31 this year. He adds: ‘We’ve under the formal improved the HMI [human-machine burden of the (QRA) operational our capability whilst improving interface], and we’ve given the pilot more JETS mission. evaluation phase. e ciency and driving down costs. The ‘We are in the middle of strategic  eet Dean Wilkinson Typhoon Total Availability Enterprise weapons, so it’s about enabling the pilot management in terms of the rebalance,’ [maintenance agreement with BAE to do more whilst the software simpli es RELEVANT continued Duguid. ‘Up until 2015, the plan Operation Systems] has generated cost savings of the task and maximizes the capability.’ was to take out of service the Tranche 1 ‘Shader’ over 40 per cent.’ Hillier added that these will Original plans for the RAF involved Ultimately, Project ‘Centurion’ brings aircraft and e ectively replace them with Iraq and Syria equate to a saving across the Typhoon purchasing 232 Typhoons to equip seven provided the Tranche 3 aircraft. We now plan to  eet of ‘half a billion pounds over about a Typhoon that will embody operational squadrons, giving a front- the perfect keep the Tranche 1s in service until 2035.’ the 10-year lifespan [of the contract].’ everything — a deadly close-in ghter, a line inventory of 137 available ghters. opportunity He explained that while the airframes The model not only assists the RAF quick reaction alert (QRA) thoroughbred, Despite having cut back on its Tranche 3 to test the of these initial RAF Euro ghters aren’t in realizing greater capability from its commitment by only ordering 40 aircraft P1Eb-standard For the RAF’s Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoons, RAF Coningsby, after the rst suitably a BVR air-to-air slayer, a precision air-to- that old, the RAF has been reviewing Typhoon in Typhoons, but in turn helps generate in this batch, the RAF is now expected to a more competitive o ering on the this structured upgrade means that by the con gured aircraft was delivered to the ground striker, and a long-range stand-o which essential items it will need in order combat. operate these alongside 67 Tranche 2 and export market. end of 2018 it will be in possession of a unit in July 2017. The RAF expects to start cruise missile penetrator. to keep them in service. Elements such USAF/TSgt ‘around 30’ original Tranche 1 Typhoons — Gregory Brook Typhoon that is able to replace the GR4. training its lead squadrons for P2E in April While ‘Centurion’ is a UK-only campaign, an overall  eet of 137 jets. as the Meteor are currently not planned Test work for these weapons saw BAE as the capability is introduced to the force. in a clear illustration of the power of the Speaking at the Royal International to be incorporated onto the Tranche 1s; Systems taking the lead on Meteor, The P3E program saw BAE Systems Euro ghter partnership it paves the way Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July 2017, therefore, they are likely to retain the existing AIM-120 AMRAAM in the short which culminated in a dual ring in embarking on an aggressive Brimstone for other countries to follow suit. Notably, RAF Typhoon force commander Ian Duguid said preparations term. Duguid said, ‘Because the Meteor April 2017. The campaign included  ight trial in 2016. This took a major step P3E is the delivery standard for Kuwait’s 28 were on track to increase the UK Typhoon contract was set on the premise that the rings by Airbus Spain, BAE Systems forward on July 13, 2017, with the rst aircraft that are now on order and will be force to seven front-line squadrons Tranche 1s would be taken out of service, and Leonardo. In parallel, BAE Systems live ring of the weapon from a Typhoon, the most advanced Typhoons produced from the current ve. Until the Strategic at the moment that missile is not planned and Leonardo spearheaded the Storm which was conducted at the Aberporth to date. In addition, the German Luftwa e Defence and Security Review (SDSR) of to be equipped onto the Tranche 1 aircraft.’ Shadow campaign, which was signed o Range in Wales during a mission  own is set to incorporate Meteor as it adopts 2015, the RAF said it would retire its 53 He added that, under the current review following a ‘powered release’ in July 2016 from BAE’s Warton site in Lancashire. elements of P2E. Tranche 1 examples by 2020 and operate of the Tranche 1s, the RAF is evaluating just 67 Tranche 2 and 40 Tranche 3 aircraft. what to do regarding the future beyond Air Commodore to complete the developmental  ight test The company’s chief test pilot Steve Ian Duguid, the The post-SDSR vision is to employ the visual range missile capability as well phase for that weapon. Formoso red the anti-armor weapon at current RAF Typhoon Export advances Tranche 1s to enable the establishment as obsolescence and mandatory Operational evaluation of P2E is now a sea target following some 40 captive Kuwait became the eighth Euro ghter Force Commander. of the two additional units, which are requirements that must be addressed to Eurofi ghter being wrapped up by the RAF’s No 41 carry trials  ights alongside the RAF in a customer when it signed for 28 jets on likely to be directed toward air defense retain these Typhoons. Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) at combined test team approach. April 5, 2016. Leonardo of Italy is acting as

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program of activity,’ said Alastair Morrison, senior vice-president of radar and advanced targeting at Leonardo Airborne and Space Systems. ‘The rst phase of  ight tests wrapped up last year also do not feature the PIRATE IRST or DASS and are armed only with the 27mm and we’ve seen some excellent results. EUROFIGHTER cannon and IRIS-T short-range air-to-air DROPS There have been some really good , being used exclusively in the A versatile project led by BAE Systems long-range tracking results and we have OPERATORS air-policing role. reacted to RAF requirements to ‘drop been able to test the synthetic aperture GERMANY in’ enhancements in response to radar [SAR] mode as well. The next step Luftwa e Tactical Air Wings (Taktischen SAUDI ARABIA Euro ghter’s second export success operational demands, under a project Luftwa engeschwader) that operate the will be for the second Captor-E  ight test came on the back of a government-to- that the partners and export customers Euro ghter are TaktLwG 73 ‘Steinho ’ at asset to begin  ights in Germany very government deal between the UK and can opt in or out of. Laage, which acts as the main training Saudi Arabia. Project Salam was o cially The ‘Drop’ program was developed shortly. Currently we’ve been working unit. TaktLwG 74 at Neuburg became launched on September 17, 2007, and for Tranche 1 jets by BAE’s capability with the rst asset in the UK; having the the  rst front-line equipped with involved the £4.43-billion purchase of 72 sustainment team. Drop 1 introduced second asset will allow us to run multiple the EF2000, as Germany still refers to the aircraft including 24 diverted from RAF a package of HMI (human-machine type. Next to convert was TaktLwG 31 programs in parallel. This year we’ll be slots and assembled in the UK by BAE interface) improvements, as well as Link ‘Boelcke’ at Nörvenich from 2007. The performing a series of high-intensity Systems. The  rst RSAF aircraft was single- 16 MIDS (multi-functional information former Jagdgeschwader 71 ‘Richthofen’ at seater 1001, delivered on June 23, 2009. distribution system) and Litening  ight trials with incremental software Wittmund moved to the EF2000 in 2013 The balance of 48 aircraft was to have targeting pod enhancements. The updates to enable the required capability and is now TaktLwG 71. RAF deployment to Gioia del Colle [P3E] to be available for the rst deliveries been assembled in country by the Alsalam for Operation ‘Ellamy’ attracted the ITALY Aircraft Company, and the  rst ship sets to the .’ should have been delivered in 2008. interest of Italian Euro ghter crews, Euro ghters are known as F-2000A/Bs E-Scan progress comes as a major boost in the UK, which extends the life of the Qatari personnel, including pilots However, BAE Systems agreed a contract who pressured their leadership into in Aeronautica Militare () Left top to Above: Spanish amendment to assemble these 48 jets joining the subsequent Drop 2 activity, for the overall program. While the RAF production line at Warton until at least and groundcrew, will be temporarily service. They  rst equipped the two along with Germany. Drop 2 dates back has gone on record to say the E-Scan is bottom: 2024. The Qatar deal also includes an integrated into the unit at RAF instrumented in the UK, and they have all now been No II(AC) squadrons of the 4° Stormo at Grosseto, to 2012 and was primarily focused on production delivered. RSAF Typhoons are in service part of its future  eet plans, no further Squadron agreement with MBDA for the Brimstone Coningsby. This will occur ahead of the aircraft IPA4 is and then formed a second wing, the 36° enhancing situational awareness in the with the 3rd and 10th Squadrons at Taif. speci c details have emerged regarding (aircraft nearest and Meteor and with Raytheon for the delivery of their aircraft, providing them continuing trials Stormo, at Gioia del Colle; a third is now air-to-air role, improving attack and The 80th Squadron has also received jets the European partners. the camera) Paveway IV. with valuable front-line experience and of the Meteor the 37° Stormo at Trapani. identi cation, as well as re nements to became the beyond visual but is yet to be formed. Indeed, this unit the defensive aids sub-system (DASS). The RAF played a particularly RAF’s fi fth front- The UK has agreed a package of helping speed up their preparation for range air-to-air SPAIN is unlikely to be formally established until a new base in the north of the country is All four core partner nations bought important role when it came to securing line Typhoon training and co-operation between the when their own jets are delivered. missile (BVRAAM) 113 Escuadrón of Ala 11 at Morón is unit in 2015. ready. into Drop 3, which added further MIDS, Qatar as the ninth Typhoon customer, air forces which will see them working Looking further ahead, the European from the Airbus the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force) DASS and radar improvements, and the The RAF plans plant at Getafe, Persistent rumors suggest that the when it signed an $8-billion contract for together more regularly, including partner companies are evaluating Typhoon training unit. The  rst front-line project continues today with successive to establish Madrid. The RSAF is likely to purchase an unspeci ed a further two units comprised two additional squadrons re nements. 24 aircraft in Doha on December 10 last training in Britain for Qatari pilots and which elements will form P4E and P5E. aircraft is pictured number of additional Typhoons in a squadrons. within the Morón wing. The second year. The Typhoons will be assembled technicians. A joint squadron with both A spokesman told Combat Aircraft, ‘We on January 4 follow-on deal. Jamie Hunter equipped with Spanish Typhoon wing (Ala 14) is now British and Qatari pilots will provide have a good understanding of what four Meteors operational at Albacete. Deliveries of 12 airspace protection during the 2022 the packages will be.’ The Tranche 3 as part of the OMAN Typhoons to integration trials UK BAE Systems secured a long-awaited Soccer World Cup. aircraft are the only jets con gured deal for the supply of 12 Typhoons (three Oman will be for Spain. IPA4 RAF Coningsby is the home station for two completed this On December 14, UK Defence Minister from the outset for the E-Scan radar two-seaters and nine single-seaters) to was also used for front-line Typhoon FGR4 units — Nos 3 year, with the the double Meteor the Sultanate of Oman in December 2012. Harriett Baldwin gave further details of and provisioned for conformal fuel and XI (Fighter) Squadrons — alongside aircraft being fi ring in April 2017 Deliveries of the Tranche 3 jets to the the deal, revealing that the new joint tanks. It’s expected that the latter No 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron, the stationed at over the UK’s commenced on Adam Air Base. squadron will be UK-based and that will form an element of the follow-on operational evaluation unit, and No 29 Hebrides Range. June 19, 2017, when serials 400 and 401 Eurofi ghter Roberto Yañez Squadron, the operational conversion unit. it will be No 12 (Bomber) Squadron. upgrade phases. departed the UK for Adam Air Base. Serials Four aircraft are assigned to No 1435 Flight 406 and 407 were delivered from Warton in the Falkland Islands. No 6 Squadron, on February 5, taking deliveries to eight which started training at Coningsby aircraft to date. in early 2010, was then based at RAF Kuwait will Leuchars alongside No 1(F) Squadron receive 28 before both moved to RAF Lossiemouth KUWAIT Typhoons in 2014 and were joined by No II (Army The contract with Kuwait is for 22 single- in the latest seat and six two-seat Euro ghters, built confi guration, Co-operation) Squadron in 2015. No 12 (Bomber) Squadron is expected to to Tranche 3 standard and  tted from the complete with outset with the new E-Scan radar. The deal the E-Scan radar. become a sixth RAF unit in 2018, with includes the design and construction of Eurofi ghter another unidenti ed squadron to follow. the infrastructure at AUSTRIA to accommodate two squadrons, plus a Austria became the  rst Euro ghter suite of training devices to establish an export customer, taking delivery of operational conversion unit. Deliveries will its initial aircraft (serial 7L-WA) for the run from 2020 to 2023. Überwachungsgeschwader (Surveillance Wing) at on July 12, 2007. QATAR Austria’s original requirement was for 18 The government-to-government deal aircraft, but this was reduced to 15 due signed in late 2017 for 24 Typhoons to budgetary constraints. The  rst six to Qatar is likely to include options on were new-build, whereas the  nal nine a further 12 jets. It’s part of a massive were updated to Block 5 standard and expansion e ort for the Qatar Emiri Air transferred from the Luftwa e. The aircraft Force.

08 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net www.combataircraft.net // April 2018 09

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than bigger weapons and potentially table for Euro ghter and that feasibility using multiple weapons on a station, so studies have been completed. Eurofi ghter is well into studies that not only map out the things like Brimstone and the introduction The competition in Belgium is in a of a common weapons launcher. In critical phase — best and nal o ers were immediate future for Typhoon, but also keep it at the essence we’re moving away from one submitted on February 14. It’s a straight forefront of air warfare until 2050 and beyond. store per station to multiple stores per ght between the Typhoon and the FUTURE station, usually with small warheads, all Lightning II, with entry into service in 2023 BATTLESPACE THE individually targetable. Therefore the and full transition by 2030. The Typhoon amount of information is multiplied. o er is from the UK government on behalf The Typhoon long-term evolution is ‘The rapid evolution in technology of the Euro ghter EPCs and it represents a planned around a vision of the future means there’s an expectation that more Euro ghter is con dent that establishing full partnership with the RAF. battlespace. Marco Gumbrecht says that while there is a lot of focus on information will be exploited by [the] an enhanced Typhoon  eet will give Anthony Gregory is the campaign ROAD AHEAD the future denied environment, it’s Typhoon in the future. This may mean the Luftwa e a strong combat aircraft director for Belgium at BAE Systems. He important to nd ‘the right balance’ HE EUROPEAN PARTNER facilitate ongoing refreshes quickly and changes to the avionics architecture to force that will dovetail with FCAS, which told Combat Aircraft, ‘Belgium is looking when it comes to ghter assets. ‘Our companies — working in a ordably,’ says Rob Wells, Euro ghter optimise that performance.’ currently sees Germany partnering with for a deep and enduring collaboration vision of future air power is focused tandem with Euro ghter weapon system manager. ‘We know that Former Luftwa e Euro ghter weapons . If the Luftwa e did opt for the and this represents the most extensive on a system of systems approach, with manned and unmanned components.’ — see the Typhoon as a the threats — aircraft, surface-to-air missiles instructor Marco Gumbrecht now works F-35, it would require a fairly aggressive partnership the RAF has ever put forward.’ Ra ael Klaschka adds, ‘The Typhoon bridge to a next-generation and other types of weapons systems that in the Airbus combat air division. ‘The acquisition strategy — it has taken the The UK o er to Belgium is understood will never be a , but our European Future Combat Air are coming into play — are all evolving. Euro ghter program is all about rm Luftwa e more than 10 years to realize to include the full Project ‘Centurion’ perception is that not every future TSystem (FCAS). While the current Phase 3 We need to be able to counter [them]. So developmental road-maps’, he says. ‘Our the Euro ghter’s potential. In addition, weapons set and full integration into con ict will be in denied airspace.’ He Enhancement project takes the Typhoon we will have to evolve too, and we will heritage was air dominance, and if you it’s not clear that the F-35 ts with the the TyTAN support model for the most acknowledges that stealth is important, but not always vital. ‘There are many into the next decade, the route to 2030 and rstly have to be able to do it quickly, and look at the mission sets now they weren’t Luftwa e’s operational doctrine. A stealthy e cient cost per  ying hour. The aircraft scenarios where a Typhoon will play beyond is already becoming clear. This not secondly, as you’re not actually sure exactly foreseen on day one — that’s testament bomber is o ensive in nature, which on o er is understood to be a snapshot a key role. We didn’t see stealth in only taps into emerging requirements of what’s around the corner, we have to plan [to] the  exibility and evolution of this contrasts against the Luftwa e’s recent of what the RAF expects to be  ying in , even on day one. Stealth existing customers, but also opens the door for the un-plannable.’ aircraft. That road-map doesn’t stop. defensive stance. 2023 — probably a P4E vision with the brings with it some signi cant factors, to potential additional sales. ‘There will always be substantial When it comes to speci cs for the E-Scan radar, Striker II helmet, SPEAR not least maintenance and cost, while Typhoon o ers the aerodynamic Euro ghter says it is working with the versatility in the multi-national program. Typhoon standard to replace the Tornado, 3 and the full UK weapons set: Meteor, Long-term evolution performance and payload.’ partner nations to nalize a Phase 4 Typhoon LTE is focused on three main The customer nations have a lot of inputs, it’s likely to draw heavily on LTE. Klaschka ASRAAM, Storm Shadow, Brimstone and With a vast array of weapons and Enhancement (P4E) plan as well as scoping areas. One is giving the aircraft a longer some may wish to look at things that says, ‘We have the basic layout and it Paveway IV. sensors at a Typhoon pilot’s ngertips, a follow-on P5E. ‘We are looking at P4E service life — this was originally planned others may not. But they complement o ers more options and weapon loads.’ ‘The o er extends far beyond aircraft speeding up and simplifying the and we have the requirements from the at 25 years and 6,000  ying hours but each other. Sure there will be minor Euro ghter is likely to be looking at several and training’, says Gregory. ‘It’s full process of nding, xing and prosecuting targets is where partner nations,’ says Ra ael Klaschka of Typhoons will comfortably exceed that. national silos, but in general the multi- key areas, including the KEPD-350 Taurus alignment with the UK Typhoon road- Euro ghter is pushing its idea of a ‘kill Euro ghter GmbH. While Klaschka remains Evolving threats are another important national approach gives  exibility. A lot cruise missile, which is currently carried by map. Belgium will receive everything that web’. Gumbrecht says, ‘The kill chain is tight-lipped on speci cs, a number of focus, as are opportunities to introduce of the capabilities for the next-generation the Tornado and has been  ight-tested on the RAF has in its sights, but they will avoid the cycle from the moment something capabilities would seem an obvious t new technology that enable updates to be European ghter will emerge and [be] Typhoon; the aerodynamic modi cation the non-recurring development costs.’ Air is detected to the time you have kinetic here — the E-Scan radar, Striker II digital carried out quickly, cheaply and  exibly. elded through LTE to mature them.’ kit, which will provide additional agility Commodore Ian Duguid, the UK Typhoon or non-kinetic e ect on it. You have to nd it, track it, identify it, then engage day/night helmet, conformal fuel tanks, ‘The world of sensor development, and potential for improved lateral force commander, says the proposed it. It remains a very linear, layered MBDA’s SPEAR 3 glide weapon, the new sensor exploitation, is often driven by Renewed European potential asymmetry; and growth potential for the partnership between the RAF and the and lengthy process. The ‘kill web’ Litening V laser designator pod, satellite either evolving threats, [for example Learning from fellow operators is EJ200 engines, which could be uprated by will extend to removes that layered approach, with communications and the dual-carriage shoulder-mounted missiles whose something Euro ghter hopes the as much as 25 per cent for improved thrust joint exercises, squadron exchanges, the command and control authority common weapons launcher. frequencies can be changed overnight], Luftwa e will do when it comes to and fuel e ciency. shared airspace, working ‘side-by-side’ on being delegated down to a weapons platform. Di erent sensors push Klaschka says, ‘We are also into the study or because the rules of engagement replacing its Tornados by 2030. With a The German Tornado replacement has pilot and ground crew training and joint information to a combat cloud or web, phase for the long-term evolution [LTE] are changing as well as a focus on clear nod to the RAF’s Project ‘Centurion’ led to the Luftwa e discussing common combat operations. and the various agencies can pull the initiative [beyond P5E].’ LTE is focused on low collateral damage and so on’, The long-term — which will herald a P3E-standard ground with the Belgian Air Component, Traditionally, Belgium has enjoyed a information as needed.’ Gumbrecht evolution plan says this is a new matrix approach to some signi cant new ‘kit’ for the Typhoon: explains Wells. is aimed to keep Typhoon to supersede the Tornado which is in the midst of a similar close working relationship with the Royal the potential for a new cockpit layout and The Euro ghter team is aiming to make the Typhoon GR4 — Euro ghter’s Ra ael Klaschka competition for 34 aircraft to replace its Air Force, but the Dutch battle management, using enhanced situational awareness to solve complex enhanced avionics structure. ‘The central weapons easier, cheaper and faster to viable past 2030 says, ‘We are convinced the Typhoon F-16s. Like Germany, Belgium is evaluating involvement as a Tier 2 partner in the F-35 with a host of situations. idea is not to make a big-bang change; integrate. ‘In general’, Wells continued, ‘that new capabilities. does everything the Luftwa e needs for the Typhoon and the F-35, and there are program means their brothers rather [to] introduce changes that will means getting smaller weapons rather Jamie Hunter its Tornado replacement.’ The German critical elements to both e orts — neither are left on the sidelines and standing to Ministry of Defense () are F-35 partner nations, and they have incur a signi cant cost to buy into the EPCs have o ered local companies some issued a request for information to nuclear strike requirements. In fact, Lightning II program. Gregory points attractive industrial proposals including Euro ghter in respect of its Tornado IDS/ Belgium is the only existing F-16 European to the UK and US Air Force models of Typhoon ‘work packages’. The feeling is ECR replacement requirement, as well Partner Air Force (EPAF) nation that hasn’t partnering the F-35 with the F-22 Raptor that while the Belgian deal in itself may as making approaches to Boeing for the signed up to the Lightning II. While the Top : Eurofi ghter or the Typhoon, a ‘complementary mix’ not o er the volume to justify signi cant says the Typhoon F-15 and F/A-18E/F, and Lockheed Martin nuclear mission is incredibly sensitive and acts as an ideal of assets — the Typhoon being the work when it comes to the Typhoon for the F-35. Belgium is understood to have remained interoperable high-end air defender, and the F-35 not speci cally, a win in Belgium could open In November, Luftwa e chief Lt Gen silent on the matter, it’s clearly a signi cant partner to the as well suited to quick reaction alert or air the  oodgates to a host of new orders, F-35. The UK is Karl Müllner controversially indicated factor. It is already planned for the F-35 set to cement this policing. Partnering Typhoon with F-35 thereby providing both the required a preference for the F-35, which to include the B61-12 nuclear bomb in its partnership as it could provide a rounded solution for the manufacturing volume and making it was subsequently dismissed by the arsenal. While similar plans don’t currently starts to receive Benelux countries. possible for Belgium to join the supply F-35Bs at RAF Bundeswehr. It said additional Euro ghters exist for the Typhoon, it is believed that a Marham this year. While the Belgian jets would be chain for the European future ghter was the favored option. similar nuclear capability could be on the Jamie Hunter assembled in the UK, the Euro ghter program. Jamie Hunter

10 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net www.combataircraft.net // April 2018 11

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In order to replace the Tornado GR4 in Royal Air Force service, the Eurofi ghter Typhoon FGR4 is receiving a raft of enhancements under ‘Project Centurion’. This includes the MBDA Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, the MBDA Dual-Mode Seeker Brimstone missile and (not carried here) the Storm Shadow stand-off cruise missile. Jamie Hunter

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AVING A FIGHTER as simulation. Indeed, the efforts of the advanced as a Project Inzpire team have enabled the RAF to ‘Centurion’ Typhoon is only make increased use of simulation on the half the battle. Manning that QWI course. ‘We’ve saved considerable ghter with a pilot who is live flying hours, whilst increasing the e ectively able to massage standard,’ explains Allsop. Recent gains Hthe potent tools at his or her ngertips in the simulator regarding the course is what brings ultimate capability include more consistent enemy threat to the fore. presentations and the ability to fly For the Royal Air Force, the quali ed electronic attack missions. weapons instructors (QWIs, pronounced The Inzpire remit is to devise the best ‘q-whys’) are the essence of making scenarios to tax and teach the students. this high-end vision a reality. They ‘We write all the desired touch points are the subject matter experts, the into the plans to provide far richer problem-solvers, the ‘go-to’ o cers on scenarios,’ says Allsop. ‘For example, each squadron who possess the deep the students may need to find and fix a knowledge of the weapons systems — moving target. They know they can go the ones a squadron turns to when the and look for it, but they also know they chips are down. might not be able to find it. It’s about The Royal Air No 29 Squadron, the Typhoon teaching them how to integrate with Force’s Typhoon operational conversion unit at RAF the ISR [intelligence, surveillance and qualifi ed Coningsby, is where the RAF’s Typhoon reconnaissance] assets — and we play QWI course is based. This is the most We write all the desired touch points into that role for them — to establish and weapons demanding of courses for a hand-picked the plans to provide far richer scenarios. understand what capabilities they may instructor selection of the brightest young Typhoon have for finding that target. It’s likely Al Allsop, Inzpire to develop into a scenario that they’ve course merges never even thought could be possible.’ QWI students in the highest the cockpits of pilots. It teaches them — to degree level Working hand-in-hand with the RAF Above: Wearing Of course, many of these situations the helmet- levels of aircraft their Typhoon — the intricacies and the broad spectrum to maximize the output standard, British are made all the more realistic with FGR4s, ready of capabilities the Typhoon offers. As the defense company Inzpire has embedded mounted enhanced enemy threat presentations. for a mission sighting system, pages of this supplement testify, it’s a task capability with from Coningsby. two former RAF experts into the QWI staff a QWI student This translates into the live flying, with the best possible While the with many elements. for a hugely beneficial level of continuity pre-flights the Allsop working alongside the QWI staff, simulator events The Typhoon mission set has grown and experience. ‘Myself and my colleague ASRAAM missile. monitoring and managing the large force operators to have grown in complexity and exponentially over recent years, from Mark Doney, who is an aerospace employment phases out over the North Below: Paveway realism, the fighting the most complex air-to- battle manager, act as a ‘White Force’ to Sea. The emphasis placed on effective create a honed IV is set to be live fl ying is still air battles to the array of weaponry devise the scenarios for the seven-week ‘Red Air’ in the US military is mirrored on team of man hugely important. joined by the All photos becoming available to strike the ground capstone event — the ‘Triplex Warrior’ Brimstone and the QWI course, with people like Allsop and machine. Jamie Hunter with pinpoint precision. First came the exercise,’ says Al Allsop, a fast jet pilot with Storm Shadow bringing a deep and vital understanding Paveway IV precision-guided bomb, the an impressive 23 years of RAF service. missiles, of threat scenarios. It’s clearly a role that increases the helmet-mounted sighting system (HMSS), Allsop continues to pass on his precious he relishes: ‘You devote your working range of effects the PIRATE infra-red search and track knowledge to young Typhoon pilots available to the life to making our Typhoon pilots better.’ sensor and the Litening III laser designator as a specialist in threat replication and Typhoon. Jamie Hunter pod (LDP). Now there’s the direct-fire Brimstone missile, the ‘game-changing’ Meteor long-range -powered air-to- air slayer, and the Storm Shadow stand-off cruise missile, all pushing the art of the possible a step further. The Typhoon QWI course lasts for seven months; it starts in January and runs until August. Working with the experts of the RAF Air Warfare Centre (AWC) the pilots have a lot to take in about their platform and others, not to mention the basics of how to be instructors. After all, they will go back to their squadrons and impart their knowledge to fellow pilots. The standard class of six students runs at a pace that is relentless, merging air- to-air with ground attack skills, learning in intricate detail how to fight in every regime at the highest level.

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Typhoons shoulder. These have included NATO’s Baltic Air Policing obligation and similar NATO Enhanced Air Policing commitments in Romania. ‘We must remind ourselves that NATO is still the bedrock of our defense and we continue to o er as much support and partnership for any of the NATO operations we are required to do’, Mayhew observed. ‘That will continue to grow in 2018.’ The Typhoon force is participating in what Mayhew described as ‘a signi cant exercise program’ in 2018, with no less than seven large exercises. This, he said, is a testament to the ‘serviceability of the aircraft, and also to the supply chain.’ speed up their preparation for when their at this current stage,’ he said, adding, own jets are delivered. ‘we’re looking at other ways of delivering Growing and evolving Mayhew con rmed that the two new ISR [intelligence, surveillance and air-to-air and air-to-ground every time she The RAF Typhoon force is set to grow, RAF units will be front-line squadrons and reconnaissance] across the future  eets,  ies,’ he said. both in terms of squadrons and of course part of the operational  eet, rather than including ‘combat air’. Obviously you can The Typhoons have operated from in physical capabilities. Mayhew said just being for aggressor or training roles. do reconnaissance from some of the pods Akrotiri alongside Tornado GR4s since that he was, ‘looking forward to bringing He was unable to say what upgrades that are on [the] Typhoon, in a di erent late 2014. ‘[The] Typhoon and Tornado on two more Typhoon squadrons in the and capability enhancements might be way, and we are looking at an evolution of sometimes operate separately, and next few years,’ referring to the decision Above right: incorporated in the retained Tranche 1 those. I would also wish to look across the Pilots wear sometimes together, to make sure that we announced in the 2015 Strategic Defence the helmet- jets, because these decisions have not yet market at other ways of doing it.’ have the right kind of weapons available and Security Review to retain a number mounted been taken. Of radar enhancements, speci cally for the right kind of task,’ Mayhew of Tranche 1 Typhoons until 2030-35 sighting There has been speculation that the regarding an E-Scan, Mayhew said, ‘We system (HMSS) The Royal Air Force fi rst pressed its Typhoons in combat action comments, ‘because all kinds of targets are instead of retiring them by 2019. However, on daylight surviving Tranche 1 aircraft might not be made a declaration in 2015 that we being intercepted, sometimes in towns with improvements in synthetic training, operations. upgraded to carry Meteor missiles, and would move to the next generation of in 2011 over Libya. Since then, they’ve continued to demonstrate and cities [which are always challenging the RAF plans to retire all of its two-seat They are will have to continue to operate with the radar and that is still our absolute intent.’ able to cue their evolution in capabilities in operational theaters. for us] to those that are out in more open Tranche 1 aircraft this year. weapons and existing Raytheon AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM. Looking towards integration with the countryside. So it is about weapons-to- Original plans for the RAF involved 232 Experts di er as to whether they will retain REPORT Jon Lake sensors with F-35B Lightning II, Mayhew continued, target matching.’ Typhoons equipping seven operational the helmet. a swing-role capability with the Enhanced ‘This is not something we are dreaming Crown ITH MUCH A committed force On Operation ‘Shader’, the Typhoon squadrons, giving a front-line inventory Copyright Paveway II, whether they will be upgraded of, it’s something we are doing. We are ATTENTION focused Mayhew oversees a Typhoon force has been working with a large number of 137 available ghters. Despite cutting to carry the Paveway IV, or whether they already operating fourth and fth- on the imminent that currently consists of  ve front-line of coalition partners, gaining useful back its Tranche 3 commitment by only Below right: will be pure air defense aircraft. generation ghters together in exercises RAF Typhoons retirement of the squadrons, an operational conversion unit experience of using datalinks, including ordering 40 aircraft in this batch, the RAF is over Syria. Talking speci cally about growth plans and in training. I’ve been doing this Tornado GR4 from (OCU), and an operational evaluation unit for kinetic and air-to-air operations. now expected to operate these alongside They tend to for the Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft, initially with [the] Typhoon and F-22 already, Royal Air Force (OEU). The  ve operational squadrons Air Commodore Johnny Stringer served 67 Tranche 2 and ‘around 30’ original operate as via ‘Project Centurion’ — which Mayhew through ‘Red Flag’ and other exercises in pairs or as Wservice next year and on the progress hold 24-hour quick reaction alert (QRA) as the UK air component commander for Tranche 1 Typhoons. The latter number is mixed pairs described as ‘a crossover from [the] the US, and I know our partner nations being made towards bringing the F-35B seven days a week from RAF Coningsby Operation ‘Shader’ in Al Udeid, Qatar, until where the RAF has found airframes with with Tornado Tornado’ — bringing Storm Shadow and are doing the same. This is using new Lightning II into service, the Typhoon and RAF Lossiemouth in the UK and in November last year. ‘On [the] Typhoon which to equip the two additional units. GR4s. USAF/ Brimstone capability to the Typhoon will systems as well as the Link-16 systems SSgt Trevor FGR4 continues to demonstrate its the Falkland Islands, where No 1435 Flight we’ve had excellent availability’, he It was announced in December that No McBride enable the RAF to retire the Tornado GR4 that are out there. These are evolving credentials. It now forms the meat of the has four aircraft and crews on rotational told Combat Aircraft in January. ‘We’ve 12 (Bomber) Squadron will convert from in 2019. ‘That is important for us and we systems, and I won’t detail what they are, RAF’s ‘combat air’ capability. detachment at the end of an 8,000-mile also used the swing-role capability on the Tornado GR4 to the Typhoon. It will Below: This are holding the companies very much but we are already proving this kind of Typhoon FGR4 Air Vice-Marshal Gerry Mayhew, Air sustainment line. Maintaining this is numerous occasions including combat initially serve as a new joint squadron, shows off a on contract to make sure we meet those communication is working between the O cer Commanding No 1 Group, ‘quite a challenge’, according to Mayhew, air patrols and strike on the same sorties.’ being UK-based and temporarily combat load timelines,’ he said. Meteor integration is to aircraft without using voice comms. recently spoke to reporters about the but one that is manageable ‘thanks to Stringer said that Typhoons regularly  ew integrating Qatari personnel, including that includes be achieved in the same timeframe. ‘This is an exciting time — the Royal Air Above: A RAF three Paveway contribution the Typhoon is making to the whole-force approach that we take, missions lasting more than eight hours pilots and ground crew at Coningsby. The Mayhew con rmed that the Tornado’s Force is very happy with the Typhoon, Typhoon FGR4 IVs, plus a the RAF’s fast jet front line, for which he working with our partner nations and with takes on fuel over Syria. Qataris will not be a permanent part of the single live RAPTOR reconnaissance pod would not we’ve had it a long time now, and I can is responsible. our partner companies.’ from a US Air The RAF is now into the second rotation squadron, but will be integrated ahead ASRAAM and be integrated on the Typhoon. ‘We are say from professional experience that Force KC-10A AMRAAM. Mayhew, who joined the RAF in 1988, The Typhoon force is also cycling its of the squadrons on ‘Shader’, in addition to of the delivery of their aircraft, providing not buying a speci c reconnaissance it is a super aeroplane, proven, and Extender during Crown is an extremely experienced fast jet squadrons through Operation ‘Shader’, the an Operation the raft of ad hoc responsibilities that the valuable front-line experience and helping Copyright pod in our Typhoon upgrade program multi-role.’ pilot. A former Jaguar quali ed weapons British commitment to missions against ‘Shader’ mission. USAF/SrA instructor, Mayhew  ew the F-16 on so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Preston Webb exchange with the US Air Force and Each squadron deploys to RAF Akrotiri in commanded a Tornado GR4 squadron. turn to  y missions from this UK sovereign Right: AVM Gerry Mayhew chats Having also  own the Typhoon, he base on the southern tip of Cyprus. with Typhoon describes it as, ‘the best aeroplane I have Mayhew said that Operation ‘Shader’ personnel ever  own, a superb multi-role  ghter, has evolved from being simply a kinetic during a recent detachment in a superb swing-role aeroplane, and operation for the Typhoon to a swing- Romania. exciting to  y.’ role mission. ‘The aircraft is armed [for] Crown Copyright

16 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net www.combataircraft.net // April 2018 17

62-63 SUPP_OP Shader C.indd 62 15/02/2018 13:41 62-63 SUPP_OP Shader C.indd 63 15/02/2018 13:41 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON // GERMAN AIR FORCE the morning, a bomber in the afternoon Expanding capabilities As work continues to introduce — is our daily business’, explained TaktLwG 31 is the  rst of four Luftwa e the multi-role capabilities across the Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) Raphael Euro ghter wings to declare itself Luftwa e eet, the BAAINBw will Mörs-Zander. He has served with the multi-role. The milestone followed the continue to co-operate closely with the Nörvenich wing for more than 30 years deployment of EF2000s to the Vidsel Luftwa e, supporting the GBU-48 as and is responsible for one of the resident test range in in September for well as the Euro ghter. The Koblenz- EF2000 maintenance lines. In the past, several weeks of trials in the air-to- based organisation is also responsible Mörs-Zander worked with the GBU-24 ground role before national tactical for German military hardware laser-guided bomb, utilised by the veri cation in October. equipment once it has been delivered Tornado IDS, the EF2000’s predecessor at According to the Luftwa e, ‘safe and is being utilized. the ‘Boelcke’ wing. Below: Last operation of the weapon system was the Since 2014 the Luftwa e’s EF2000 The 2,000lb (907kg) GBU-24 Paveway III year’s GBU-48 top priority’ during the Swedish trials. The has been demonstrating its air-to- was a -era ‘bunker-buster’ and its test campaign in  rst sorties involved the pilots becoming air capabilities during participation Sweden involved acquisition was originally pursued by the not only dropping used to the modi ed ight characteristics in NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing German Navy for anti-ship missions. For the bombs, but of the Euro ghter with a heavy armament (eAP) mission in the Baltic. Between some time it has been judged too large also examining load (adding around 2,000kg/4,409lb to September 2014 and January 2015, changes in and in exible for modern close air support the fl ight the take-o weight), and ensuring the Luftwa e EF2000s were stationed at requirements. characteristics software and electronics functioned as Ämari in , the  rst time they The GBU-48 is an altogether more of the jet. required. The  rst weapon launches were had assumed full responsibility for the Bundeswehr/ modern proposition. With a length of 12ft Ulrich Metternich made against individual targets, before mission. Now, the  ghter has shown it (3.68m) and a weight of 1,112lb (504.5kg), moving on to multiple targets towards can also take on o ensive missions if the GBU-48 has dual laser/GPS guidance. It Left: The the end of the campaign. required. Eurofi ghter can can hit a target at up to 15.5 miles (25km) carry a total of Pilots and technicians from the ‘Boelcke’ ‘From now on, the challenge is to with an accuracy of 32.8ft (10m). In a press four GBU-48 wing will now serve as subject matter broaden the new capability by training release accompanying the o cial hand- Enhanced experts as they share their experiences technicians and pilots’, concluded Katz. Paveway IIs, over, the Luftwa e noted that the bomb representing with the three other Euro ghter wings: ‘From 2018, we can provide the required is, ‘very precise and can be used in almost an additional TaktLwG 71 ‘Richthofen’ at Wittmund, capabilities through TaktLwG 31 ‘B’ here all visibility and weather conditions. The weight of around TaktLwG 73 ‘Steinho ’ at Laage (which in Nörvenich. Now we have the task of two tonnes. GPS can be used to pre-determine the Bundeswehr/ also serves as the EF2000 training unit) integrating the same capability in the exact angle at which the GBU should hit WTD 61 and TaktLwG 74 at Neuburg. other Euro ghter units.’ the target.’ The Enhanced Paveway II consists of three basic components: the guidance unit with GPS sensor and laser seeker TaktLwG 31 is head, the active bomb body, and the tail The recent delivery of GBU-48 precision-guided bombs has the fi rst of four unit with stabilizers. At the front end is the free-moving laser sensor, which can provided the EF2000 fl eet — the Typhoon name is Luftwaffe Eurofi ghter detect laser re ections. Directly behind it not used in German service — with an air-to-ground capability, is the control unit with the GPS package. wings to declare itself This is followed by the moveable control meeting the requirement for the Eurofi ghter to be multi-role. surfaces, which are attached to the bomb REPORT Thomas Newdick multi-role. body. At the rear end is the tail with its rigid stabilizing  ns. HE FIRST EXAMPLES of Günter Katz, commander of the  ying the GBU-48 Enhanced units within the Luftwa e command. Paveway II were o cially He noted that the arrival of the GBU-48 handed over to Taktisches would allow the Luftwa e to ‘respond Luftwa engeschwader 31 to challenges that we do not even know ‘Boelcke’ (TaktLwG 31 ‘B’, today’. He described the EF2000’s new TTactical Air Force Wing 31) at Nörvenich armament as, ‘the  nal piece of the puzzle on December 18 last year. to realize an all-weather and precision air- Generalmajor Klaus Veit, military to-ground role.’ vice-president of the Federal O ce of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information NATO role Technology and In-Service Support Certi cation to use the dual-mode bomb (BAAINBw), said, ‘With the GBU-48, the was received shortly before the o cial BAAINBw is making its contribution to the hand-over. Beginning on January 1, the multi-role capability of the Euro ghter EF2000 was declared operational in its and to ful lling the requirements of the new role and available for the NATO Luftwa e.’ Response Force. Accepting the new weapons on behalf ‘In 2018 we will have to prove that the of the German Air Force was Generalmajor Euro ghter’s swing role — a  ghter in

18 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net wwwwww.comba.combattaiairrccrraft.neaft.nett //// April 20201818 19

64-65 SUPP_Luftwaffe C.indd 64 15/02/2018 13:40 64-65 SUPP_Luftwaffe C.indd 65 15/02/2018 13:40 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON // SPANISH AIR FORCE

IRBUS DEFENCE AND Space delivered an Spain has actually played initial pair of Euro ghter Typhoons completed a lead role in developing to P1Eb FW (Phase 1 air-to-ground capabilities for the Enhanced Further Work) Astandard to Albacete air base in partner nations in the program, with December 2017. There the rst two new- build aircraft in P1Eb FW con guration the 1,000lb EGBU-16 (GBU-48) now were handed over to the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force). cleared on Spanish Tranche 2s. The aircraft were manufactured at the nal assembly line in Getafe, Spain, and include increased integration of evolution. It is a big tribute to the Airbus a variety of air-to-surface weapons and Spanish customer teams that they and enhanced targeting, among other achieved this on time through effective improvements. Airbus describes the collaboration and clearly demonstrates P1Eb FW con guration as, ‘a key step in the rich manufacturing capability here the overall Euro ghter evolution plan.’ at Getafe.’ The remaining six aircraft out of the A Tranche 2 73 total jets contracted by Spain will be Spanish plans Eurofi ghter (serial delivered to the same P1Eb FW standard Spain initially planned to acquire 87 C.16-53) of Ala 11 noses out of its this year and next. Eurofighters, but this figure was cut to Having originally planned to fifield eld its EurofightersEurofi ghters solely as air-to-air shelter clutching Airbus operating o cer, military 73 due to budgetary constraints. The a 1,000lb EGBU-16 aircraft, Alberto Gutierrez said, ‘The original Tranche 1 airframes are assigned fi ghters, Spain quickly embraced multi-role plans and has played a (GBU-48). All photos this smooth introduction of these enhanced to the training wing, Ala 11 at Morón. leading role in air-to-surface capability development. spread EdA features is a vital element of Euro ghter’s While Spain initially planned its Eurofighters (locally designated as Concerned by a lack of growth potential This includes human-machine interface C.16s) to be air-to-air fighters, the move within the wider Eurofighter program (HMI) improvements and integration of toward ‘swing-role’ came quickly. Indeed, when it comes to its 19 initial Tranche 1 the digital version of the IRIS-T air-to-air Spain has actually played a lead role in airframes, the Spanish Air Force opted missile, two of which had been test- developing air-to-ground capabilities for out of the core plan for the Tranche 1s fired by early 2017. OFP 02 was set for a the partner nations in the program, with and instead elected to develop its own mid-2017 delivery and added Litening the 1,000lb EGBU-16 (GBU-48) now being OFP 01 and OFP 02 upgrades. While this III, GBU-48, AIM-120C-7 and an updated cleared on Spanish Tranche 2 jets. may appear to illustrate a shortcoming computer symbol generator. Eight aircraft from Spain’s two wings of the core Eurofighter program, which Spain’s 34 Tranche 2 and 20 Tranche deployed to Nellis AFB, Nevada, for appears to be mainly orientated towards 3A aircraft are set to remain within the Exercise ‘Red Flag 17-2’ last March and the newer Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft, it international development program. demonstrated the initial P1Eb standard. usefully demonstrates the ability for a The Spanish P2Eb upgrade adds By 2021, the Spanish Air Force plans country to follow an indigenous path if it MBDA Meteor, FLIR improvements, T2R to have two complete wings equipped suits domestic requirements, seemingly radar software, the Drop 4 software with the Eurofighter. Alongside 111, 112 without restrictions. It also represents package and HMI improvement for the and 113 Escuadróns at Morón, Ala 14 an important organic development Litening II pod. at Albacete should be fully equipped capability within the Spanish Air Force Future P3E and P4E upgrade cycles with two full squadrons — 141 and 142 and local industry. will see Spain adding defensive aids Escuadróns. Having received the Tranche 1 sub-system (DASS) enhancements, The latter had received the wing’s first enhancement packages 1 and 2 from integration of the AIM-120C-7 and Small eight Eurofighters by mid-2013, initially in Eurofighter in 2015, the indigenous Diameter Bomb II, and enhanced IFF Right top the form of loaned Ala 11 jets, but it now to bottom: OFP 01 was already in development. modes. Jamie Hunter has its own jets adorned with the famous Maintainers Don Quixote badge. load an EGBU-16 (GBU-48) GPS/ laser-guided Unique strategy 1,000lb bomb. The operational flight program (OFP) Spain’s ultimate software development capability plan is to operate pioneered ‘in-house’ with its EF-18 two Eurofighter Hornets convinced Spain to follow a wings — Ala 11 at Morón and Ala 14 similar path with its early Eurofighters. at Albacete. A decision to develop its own software for its Tranche 1 aircraft is already Spanish pilots train at producing enhancements with ‘minimum Morón with 113 connection to the international effort.’ Escuadrón.

20 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net 21

66-67 SUPP_Spain C.indd 66 15/02/2018 13:40 66-67 SUPP_Spain C.indd 67 15/02/2018 13:40 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON // ITALIAN AIR FORCE

Throughout 2017 the HE EUROFIGHTER F2000, as alert (QRA) detachment from Cameri to what was the second Icelandic stint for Aeronautica Militare (Italian it is known in Italian service, Istrana to better protect Italy’s north- the F-2000s, which previously deployed Air Force) Eurofi ghter F-2000 is today the bastion of the eastern approaches. Above left to right: here in 2013. Engines running country’s air defense mission The rst NATO commitment of In short order after the northern trip, force was engaged in quick and ready to taxi and rmly established with 2017 ran from March 17 until April 14 from a dark and the Italian Euro ghters were readied for reaction alert duties at a range the 4° Stormo at Grosseto, 36° and saw the Italian F-2000s policing damp hardened the summer heat of Bulgaria as from July aircraft shelter at Stormo at Gioia del Colle and 37° Stormo Iceland’s airspace under Task Force they headed to Graf Ignatievo to jointly of locations, from national T Kefl avík. at Trapani. The Italian Euro ghter wings Air Northern Ice. Two jets from each secure the regional airspace. commitments to have also been called upon to ful ll of the three wings deployed with Col Moris Ghiadoni Dubbed ‘Task Force Air 4° Stormo — led the Italian detachments in Iceland NATO air policing missions, notably around 140 personnel to Ke avík and detachment in Operation Bulgarian Horse’, the mission and in Bulgaria. during 2017 deploying to Iceland and mounted a constant QRA cycle, with a Bulgaria. started on July 7 and concluded at the to Bulgaria. pair of aircraft on alert. In addition, the beginning of November after 500 hours Below: Pre-fl ight To kick things o in 2017, the detachment  ew daily training missions checks of a of  ight operations. It involved four REPORT AND PHOTOS Aeronautica Militare decided to from this rather austere location, where live AIM-120C aircraft that worked hand-in-hand with Giovanni Colla and Remo Guidi reorganize its domestic air defense the weather can  uctuate signi cantly. Advanced the , manning QRA Medium-Range system, and in January it set about The six Euro ghters logged some 160 Air-to-Air Missile and  ying joint interoperability and core moving the rotational quick reaction  ight hours throughout the period, in (AMRAAM). training missions. Of note is the fact that

An Italian Eurofi ghter F-2000A kicks up a storm as it gets airborne at Kefl avík during the NATO mission here.

22 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net 23

68-70 SUPP_Italy C.indd 68 15/02/2018 13:40 68-70 SUPP_Italy C.indd 69 15/02/2018 13:40 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON // ITALIAN AIR FORCE

the Aeronautica Militare pilots notched Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) up around 40 per cent of their air-to-air Italian 2017-1 and 2017-3 at Albacete in Spain currency training ghting the resident Above: Three and Exercise ‘Joint Stars 2017’ across Italy Eurofi ghters Aeronautica MiG-29s. Dissimilar air combat training Militare F-2000As in November. (DACT) was very much the order of were readied for the and a single It’s worth re ecting on the varied the day, as well as electronic warfare two-seat Spanish range of partners and types the Italian Eurofi ghter on missions to make use of the local summer heat of Bulgaria the fl ight line at F-2000s operated with during 2017. ground-based air defense system. Gando during Deployments take an unexpectedly These NATO missions were as from July they ‘DACT 2017’. heavy toll on the day-to-day operations interspersed with a packed exercise headed to Graf Ignatievo Below: This shot of squadrons, both from the manning schedule, which included ‘DACT 2017’ was taken to and aircraft availability perspectives. at Gando air base in the Canary Islands mark a change The sheer level of commitment from the to jointly secure the of command at in January, the NATO Tiger Meet at the 18° Gruppo at Italian Euro ghters is therefore all the BAN Landivisiau in France during June, regional airspace Trapani. more remarkable.

24 April 2018 // www.combataircraft.net

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