Typhoon F2 Fires Air-to-Air Missiles for the First Time

Released on Thursday, March 08, 2007

The RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon has taken another major step towards becoming a fully operational multi-role combat aircraft, when it fired its air-to-air missiles for the first time in training.

During the week of 26 February to 2 March 2007, Typhoon F2s of Number 3 (Fighter) Squadron successfully launched four Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) at the Aberporth weapons range in Cardigan Bay, Wales.

Officer Commanding 3 (F) Squadron, Wing Commander Lol Bennett, said:

"The first front-line firings of ASRAAM represent a significant milestone in the Typhoon Force's progress towards operational deployment. The fact that we were able to let one of our most junior pilots fire one of the missiles is a testament to the overall weapon system integration."

Based at RAF Coningsby, the first front-line Typhoon squadron, No 3 (F) Squadron, was formed in April 2006.

Squadron Qualified Weapons Instructor, Flight Lieutenant Chris Layden, said:

"These firings demonstrate that Typhoon and ASRAAM are a winning combination providing lethality in the air-to-air arena."

The fighters flew from Coningsby to Wales to launch their missiles at flare packs being towed by target drones over the sea. The first missile was launched on Monday 26 February 2007 with one launched on each of the remaining three sorties over the week.

Together with the AIM-120C-5 Advanced Medium Rage Missiles (AMRAAM), the ASRAAM will form Typhoon's initial operational air defence weapon system but the aircraft's capabilities are being continually developed to eventually encompass a full multi-role function.

Typhoon is the product of a four-nation development programme involving Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. These four countries have announced their intention to eventually acquire a total of 620 of these aircraft.

The first Typhoon entered RAF service in June 2003. After 17 (R) Squadron was formed, which evaluates equipment and combat techniques, 29 (R) Squadron came into being. 29 (R) Squadron serves as the Operational Conversion Unit, training air and ground crews to operate the aircraft.

At the end of March 2007, No XI (F), the second front-line unit to be formed, will join No 3 (F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby.