BAE Systems upgrades Typhoon to boost fighter jet's abilities to attack targets both in the air and on the ground
Defence giant BAE Systems has upgraded a clutch of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to boost the aircraft’s abilities to attack enemy targets both in the air and on the ground.
The supersonic Typhoon was originally designed as a Cold War-era fighter to take on fleets of enemy aircraft, like a modern day equivalent of the Second World War’s iconic Spitfire. But modern operations in warzones like Afghanistan and Iraq have proved the need for the Eurofighter to perform as a bomber and engage ground targets as well – a role some defence analysts had warned the machine was incapable of fulfilling in its original guise.
The upgrade to 15 aircraft already in service – including enhanced computer power, beefed-up weapons systems and sensors – means RAF pilots can simultaneously attack six different targets in a single swoop overhead using bombs and missiles guided by GPS satellites.
Bomber: The enhancement means that RAF Typhoon pilots can simultaneously attack six different targets in a single swoop
Typhoon pilots first tasted combat in the skies over Libya in support of the United Nations, while the Cold War-era Tornado ground attack jet with its advanced sensors is currently flying missions from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to attack Islamic State fighters in Iraq.
Typhoon test pilot Anthony Gregory said: ‘This aircraft has huge growth potential. Its fundamental physical structure, powerful engines and advanced electronics mean its performance is world beating.’
Independent defence analyst Howard Wheeldon said: ‘Typhoon already represents the most advanced military fast jet currently in service with air forces and these enhancements to capability, particularly in regard of sensors and weapon system integration, are a giant step forward to making the aircraft fully multi-role capable.’
BAE Systems is hoping to export more Typhoons to overseas air forces, having missed out on a large order from the United Arab Emirates for 60 jets worth up to $10billion (£6.2billion).
With defence budgets under pressure in its core markets of the UK and US, growth for BAE’s military aircraft operations is dependent on winning new orders from countries such as Malaysia. Many air forces, including the US, are faced with the need for an expensive modernisation of their aircraft fleets after years of under-investment.
Gregory said: ‘There is a huge need for modernisation. The financial environment is restrictive and people are looking for more bang for their buck. With Typhoon we can do the work of three or four older aircraft with just one jet.’
BAE has updated 15 aircraft, with another 18 due to be delivered by April 1, 2015. The group has 600 engineers based at the Typhoon’s main base at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
The current Typhoon upgrades will also be applied to aircraft flown by Eurofighter partner nations Germany, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, a key export partner for BAE.
Martin Taylor, managing director of BAE’s Combat Air division, said: ‘The Phase One Enhancement is the first of a series of planned upgrades. Phase Two is well on the way and preparations are being made for subsequent phases to further upgrade Typhoon.
‘It is designed to fit in with air forces’ plans to use it as a weapons system in the coming decades.’
Wheeldon added: ‘These further announced moves to enhance Typhoon capability are crucial to an already successful export programme. Exports customers do not buy an aircraft, they buy capability and Typhoon is now better equipped to compete in this very important market.’
BAE Systems’ shares closed 2.7p higher at 439.9p, having touched a 52-week low of 374p.
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