SlowMan’s time, or InternationalPirate’s time I should say, is also running out over on Eurofighter Starstreak. Narrow-minded views, constantly contradicts himself, knows sod all about Typhoon on it’s dedicated forum and when information is posted he blatantly ignores it when it doesn’t fit his agenda, posts information with no relation to topics and refuses to back up his claims. The list is endless.

A Troll at it’s finest.

Snafu, I was giving a situation where Typhoon could be more balanced in it’s mission with such weapons loads, despite having the potential to operate with such loads (and it would because Storm Shadow, Paveway IV and CFTs will be integrated, so it’s realistic) but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see such configurations on a regular basis…

…this is why I brought up Tornado as an example. It has potential to carry some eight 1,000lb ‘Dumb Bombs’ and a couple of Sidewinders (or ASRAAM today) and it has done when it needed such as in Operation Granby. You’d have a tough time looking for a Tornado with that kind of configuration in peace time.

The potential and capability is there when needed. That’s my point.

Indeed, but AFAIK, no typhoon has flown with CFT or storm shadow yet 😉

Indeed, that is true. But I’d be sure it’s safe to say we’re far more likely to see Storm Shadow and CFTs on Typhoon than we would see CFTs on frontline operational Rafales. Typhoon needs them more than Rafale does.

On the other hand Rafale did some flight test wiith those

Typhoon makes it’s first flight with Storm Shadow this year. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Tranche 3 unit fitted with CFTs not long after it’s first flight.

Nic, I thought about CFTs on Rafale but I tried to be realistic regarding what will likely be introduced to both aircraft and as far as I’m aware the French Air Force and Navy don’t see them to be of requirement(?), despite being plumbed for them. Valid point you have though. In Typhoon’s they’re a must have if one wants long range and 2,000lb class weapons onboard.

Regarding the two extra stations for A/A missiles. Someone brought this up on the Rafale thread; about having those stations installed with an A/G configuration and I believe no Rafales have flown with such a configuration, comes down to requirements?

The Eurofighter T1 has nothing to offer.

Depends on what you want them for.

Second off all, the T1 has almost no AG capabilities and needs a serious upgrade that will put the jet right back up at the same price as last time… but with higher operational costs.

What defines Tranche 1s as having “almost no AG capabilities”? Granted, it’s range of A/G weapons isn’t impressive but you need to do quite a bit of research, especially regarding upgrades.

I remember very well as a young child, the misery her decisions brought to our household. As strong as we were it led to a lot of break up, and the loss of so much to us all. And my family wasn’t the only ones that got destroyed.

I always hear Rafale has the advantage over the typhoon in air to ground weapons and range

Yes, this is true. The A/G capabilities of the Rafale are far more advanced than Typhoon’s at this time, Recce, stand-off, nuclear, range etc.

will the typhoon eventually be able to match the Rafale in air to ground with the right updates and weapons?

Yes, there is potential although not in all areas. There’ll be advantages and disadvantages both from the aeroplane’s perspectives depending on weapons/mission requirements as well as range of course. Some will be surpassed, some will match and some won’t and this, I think, can be safely said for both of them.

can the Typhoon fully replace the Tornado?

Regarding capability wise, yes absolutely. Regarding in numbers, that would have to depend on how many F-35s the UK finally orders.