In the early 1980s, several European countries, Britain, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, were all on the lookout for indigenous aircraft they could use to replace their existing fleets when they reached obsolescence. Above all else, the countries desired a highly maneuverable aircraft instead of missile-equipped interceptors, able to handle any combat situation thrown at it and come out as good as new. Amid disputes, squabbles, and an endless amount of political disagreements emerged the excellent EF2000, now known universally as the Eurofighter Typhoon. It continues to serve with distinction under both European and Saudi Arabian colours, and countries such as Japan and India have shown interest. The Typhoon, arguably the greatest fighter in service other than the F-22, is certainly a prime example of European innovation.
In 1983, five European countries agreed to jointly produce a fighter for each of their respective air forces, the RAF, Luttewaffe, Regia Aeronautica, Armee De L'Air, and Ejercito del Aire. It was decided to give the aircraft a smooth, curving frame, a tail-less delta design, and munitions that allowed focus on the air-superiority role with a ground attack or ship attack capability if necessary. The number of partner countries dropped from five to four in 1985, when France decided to spend its resources on the promising Dassault Rafale that would prove similar in concept and design to the Typhoon. The four remaining nations each partook in the development and assembly of the aircraft. Since Britain and Germany had superior industrial facilities and resources compared to the other partner countries, each designed 33 percent of the aircraft. Italy and Spain shared out the remaining 34% of the design, with the majority of the work being allocated to Italy and the remainder to Spain. The program proceeded at a steady pace until in 1992 when it hit its second major stumbling block: rising costs. The partner nations attempted to work around these costs, but when the economic situation grew dire for Germany, they delivered an ultimatum: A design with lower performance and less expenses, or Italy, Britain, and Spain would have to share out the remainder of the work. Their demands were met, and the first of these new Eurofighters flew in Germany.
A total of seven technology demonstrators were constructed, the first of which flew on March 27th, 1994. They were built in order, starting with Germany's DA1 and ending with Italy's DA7. Germany built the DA1 for powerplant trials and maneuverability testing, and the DA5 to test radar and avionics systems. The UK built the DA4 for the same reasons as the DA5, although its electronics were not upgraded to the extent the DA5's were. Britain also built the DA2, which flew barely a week after the DA1, and demonstrated the controls, handling, and ordnance loading characteristics. The Italians designed the DA3 to study and improve the munitions that would be carried with the aircraft, and the later DA7 to test avionics, electronics, and hardpoint systems. Spain only built a single prototype to test the maneuverability, handling, and airframe design; however it was destroyed in a 2002 crash resulting from a power failure. However, despite many trials and tribulations, the Eurofighter finally entered service in 2004.
The standard EF-2000 variant (A.K.A. Typhoon Tranche 1) was created with a focus on air superiority, although the later Tranche 2 aircraft enabled the aircraft to possess an impressive multi-role capability. It draws power from a pair of Eurojet EJ200 turbofans rated at 60 Kn each, with an afterburning option. The overall design of the EF-2000 (And all subsequent variants) is aerodynamically unstable, but as a result highly agile, and equips a computerized fly-by-wire system that will make adjustments to the aircraft as needed to keep it relatively stable. The tailless delta design and canard foreplanes allow the aircraft to make incredibly tight turns and out-maneuver most pre-4.5th generation fighters. The EF-2000 has a range of 2900 Km, a top speed of 2495 KmH and a service ceiling of 65,000 feet. Due to composite materials, the Eurofighter weighs no more than an impressive 11,000 Kg, although fully loaded it can weigh slightly more than double that amount.
Pilots flying the Eurofighter will sit on the combat-proven Martin Baker zero-zero ejection seat, with a HUD and TV-Screens at their disposal, eliminating the time needed to process information and react to impending combat situations. Another feature that allows the pilot to speedily interact with his/her aircraft is a voice-command system, which permits the craft to respond to certain spoken instructions. To the fore of the two-part glass canopy rests a nose mounted radome, housing the aircraft's avionics systems and sensor equipment. A single electronic-countermeasure pod sits at the tip of each wing, the only visible indications of the EF-2000's formidable Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) systems contained within the craft. The Eurofighters countermeasure options include radar jamming, chaff/flare dispensers, and the afterburning capability of the EJ200 which allows a speedy escape. Advanced AAM's such as AIM-9L Sidewinders, AIM-120 and AIM-132s can be carried. The Tranche 2 multi-role Eurofighter can also equip bombs, AGMs such as the Maverick, and even anti-radiation ALARM and AGM-88 HARM missiles.
All EF-2000/Typhoon models were originally divided into two categories, Tranche 1 and Tranche 2, the former an air-superiority variant and the latter equipping multi-role capabilities. A Tranche 3 category is also planned, and may incorporate the advanced systems designed for the Eurofighter before it was downgraded to save costs. Italy, Germany, and Spain operate the EF-2000 variant, while the UK, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other future export customers operate the same variant known as the Typhoon. The RAF have undertaken the most upgrade programs, producing the T1 (standard Typhoon), T1A (two-seat trainer derivative of the T1), F2 dedicated fighter (Tranche 1 with upgraded fighter capabilities), T3 (Refers to all two-seater variants converted from upgraded T1s), and the ultimate FGR4 multi-role variant (Tranche 2) capable of both air superiority and precision bombing, among other tasks. Although Typhoons haven't yet made a serious combat debut, RAF aircraft have frequently been scrambled to escort marauding Russia Tu-95 Bears. The Typhoon became popular in the Middle East, with both Saudi Arabia and Oman ordering examples, although the latter has not received theirs yet. Due to Greece relinquishing their own order due to expenses, Austria is the only European operator of the Typhoon outside of Spain, Germany, Britain, and Italy.
Written by: Pace51