RAF Typhoons Gain Precision Strike Capability

Released on Thursday, August 10, 2006

The RAF's Typhoon has taken on a precision air-to-surface capability. Part of the work, led by the Typhoon IPT, to keep the aircraft ahead of the competition, saw the partner nations endorse the Eurofighter GmbH Change Proposal (CP193) to provide it with the new capability.

The contract was signed by the general manager of NETMA (the NATO management agency for Typhoon) and Eurofighter GmbH (the Typhoon prime contractor).

The development of Typhoon's initial combat capability has focused on air-to-air weaponry with the aircraft set to be armed with the world's most advanced short range and medium range missiles, ASRAAM and AMRAAM.

Now attention has turned to an air-to-surface capability vital in meeting the operational challenges facing the UK and its allies. The capability to be added comprises the Rafael Litening III Laser Designator Pod (procured for Typhoon by SANS and Air EW IPT) and Enhanced Paveway II bomb, and will greatly increase the effectiveness of the aircraft.

The £73 million contract will provide a ground attack capability for the UK in advance of a more comprehensive air-to-surface package which is planned by all four partner nations (Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) later in the decade.

The contract will provide the basis to meet the RAF's air-to-surface operational capability in 2008 and is being driven by the UK's requirement to bridge the planned drawdown of the Jaguar fleet. This work will also play a key role in developing and de-risking the way forward for the four-nation planned package of work.

The proven Enhanced Paveway II bomb is capable of homing onto targets using global positioning system co-ordinates passed to it from Typhoon, or by homing in on laser radiation reflected off the target from the latest version of the Litening pod. The pod will also provide Typhoon with the ability to laser-designate ground targets for attack by other assets.

It will also provide a ground reconnaissance and scanning capability, even when the aircraft is flying at maximum speed at low altitudes and undertaking combat manoeuvres. A successful demonstration of the Litening pod using a test aircraft highlighted the great potential of the equipment once it is integrated on to Typhoon.