Type Acceptance for Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoon

Following the successful flight tests and the full delivery of the associated documentation, Type Acceptance for Block 8 (Tranche 2) Eurofighter Typhoon weapon systems has been agreed between Eurofighter GmbH and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).

Commenting on the achievement, Aloysius Rauen, Eurofighter CEO stated: "2008 is proving to be a decisive year for the programme. Block 8 Type Acceptance represents a further major landmark, achieved through strong industry/customer co-operation, and one that will maintain the delivery continuity of Eurofighter Typhoon to the Air Forces."

With customer agreement in place, the deliveries to the Air Forces can now proceed. There are some 60 Block 8 aircraft already in final assembly across the partner companies, the first Block 8 Production Flight Acceptance Tests (PFATs) for some of these already began in summer.

The main difference between Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft is the new suite of computers. More processing power (speed and memory capacity) will be the enabler for future capability insertion. All Tranche 2 weapon systems will eventually go through the Phase One Enhancements programme, agreed in March 2007, which covers:

• New software

• Enhanced multi-role Man-Machine Interface (MMI)

• "Full" Laser Designator Pod (LDP) integration

• Enhancements to MIDS, GPS, DASS, Communications

• Additional weapons: Paveway IV; EGBU-16

Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced new generation multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft available on the market and has been ordered by six nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Austria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). With 707 aircraft under contract, it is Europe's largest military collaborative programme and delivers leading-edge technology, strengthening Europe's aerospace industry in the global competition. More than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies are secured by the programme. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies Alenia Finmeccanica, BAE Systems, EADS CASA and EADS Deutschland, Europe's foremost aerospace companies with a total turnover of €60.7 billion (2006).