The signature Eurofighter GmbH (owned by companies Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonard) has agreed with the agency NATO who manages the fighter jet program Eurofighter Typhoon (Netma) the contract to develop the next capability enhancement package for this model. The signing coincides with the announcement of the purchase of another 20 units by Germany, which are added to those previously announced by Spain and those planned for Italy. In this way, the aircraft developed by the three aforementioned countries plus the United Kingdom increases its expectations for the future, for which a recent report by Pricewaterhouse Coopersestimates sales of almost 300 Eurofighter more in the coming years.
The package S.D. phase 4 improvement (system definition)P4E) agreed contains a number of new developments, including an automated sensor management capability for all radars Typhoon. In this way, the user will be able to exploit the capabilities of the electronically scanned radar (TO THAT) “to complete multiple simultaneous tasks, while reducing the workload required by the pilot when managing different sensors.” This is one of the most anticipated improvements for this aircraft for years.
The compromised package also includes an improved cockpit interface and radio frequency interoperability (RFIO) more effective. These advances will increase the survivability and lethality of the aircraft.
In addition to the automated sensor management capability, this phase P4E will introduce updates to the defensive aid subsystem (DASS) “for all customers and includes the additional electronic warfare capability of the IOC (Initial Operating Capacity) German”, explain the spokespersons for the Eurofighter consortium in a statement.
The P4E SD, adds the source, it also includes carrying out “the necessary analyzes to extend the useful life of the Typhoonensuring that the aircraft will be available for decades to come.”
Development in the four partner countries
The capability development activity will be carried out within the four Eurofighter partner companies (BAE Systems, Airbus Germany, Airbus Spain and Leonardo), with the support of the consortium’s extensive supplier base. In this way, the four partner countries of the program (Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy) will be involved.
He CEO of Eurofighter, Giancarlo Mezzanattostates that the Typhoon, which he describes as “the backbone of European air defense, will protect our skies until the 2060s.” Hence, he concludes, “it is vital that we continue to improve the capabilities of the platform and guarantee its operational effectiveness.” In this framework, he adds, “the package P4E is critical to achieving that mission: providing users with an improved cockpit, powerful sensors, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.”
Deterrence
He CEO of Netma, Simon Ellardfor its part, highlights how “as the operating environment evolves it is essential that we continue to increase the capabilities of the Eurofighter to address current and future threats. Ellard explains that this “system definition package P4E is an important milestone in delivering a broad capability upgrade that will ensure the Eurofighter remains cutting-edge and a strong deterrent to our adversaries.”
