Eurofighter Typhoon Successful AMRAAM Trial

HALLBERGMOOS, Germany, November 24th

Eurofighter GmbH today announced a first successful jettison/launch of an AMRAAM BVR missile from the outboard underwing wing-station during a test flight at the Air Weapons Range in Decimomannu, Sardinia.

The test was undertaken by Eurofighter Typhoon Development Aircraft 7 (DA7) based at Alenia Aeronautica. The trial took place at 16:30hhrs CET, November 21. The aircraft was flown by Enrico Scarabotto, Alenia Aeronautica Test Pilot. Conditions: 19600ft at a speed of M1.3 at 3g.

This latest test is the third major milestone in the AMRAAM test firing programme for Eurofighter Typhoon. Previously testing has included a live, guided launch against a MIRACH target drone that resulted in a kill.

Further weapons testing with the Development Aircraft fleet is imminent, including the first trials with air-to-surface stores. This effort will mark the first test flight steps towards realising the full swing/multi-role capability planned for the Weapon System.

Other recent trials include the first ‘fit and form’ integration of the advanced METEOR BVR missile that will form the heart of Eurofighter Typhoon air-to air missile capability for the future.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the world’s most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, developed by the leading aerospace companies, Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS and EADS, of the four partner countries, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Eurofighter Typhoon features unrivalled technology, designed for the defence needs of the 21st Century.

Agile and highly manoeuverable, the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to operate from hastily prepared bases and small runways for worldwide operations. It is equipped with an advanced multi-mode radar and an extensive range of sensors and electronic countermeasures.

The aircraft’s ability to gain air superiority beyond visual range (BVR) and in close combat, and at the same time deliver high sortie rates against air, naval and ground targets in all weathers with a variety of weapons, demands close attention to pilot workload.

A strong emphasis has been placed on reducing cost of ownership in addition to outstanding performance and flight safety. Eurofighter Typhoon is less expensive to run than the generation of aircraft it is designed to replace.

The Eurofighter partner nations plan to take delivery of 620 aircraft: 180 for Germany, 121 for Italy, 87 for Spain and 232 for the United Kingdom. An additional export order of 18 Eurofighter Typhoon has been agreed with the Government of Austria. Eurofighter Typhoon has recently been downselected in Singapore for a competition for a future fighter for this country.

The first four Series Production Aircraft recently joined the flight clearance programme following maiden flights in February 2003. This follows first flights of three Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) in April 2002. Following Type Acceptance on June 30 2003, deliveries to the four partner nations will commence.

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence has agreed an industrial participation programme with Eurofighter GmbH for the future enhancement of the weapon system. Eurofighter Typhoon has also been selected by Greece to meet their requirement for a future fighter.