Aircraft

DATE:16/05/06
SOURCE:Flight International
Typhoon gathers force with laser-guided bomb success

The Eurofighter Typhoon’s evolution into a multirole strike aircraft has cleared a significant hurdle, with the type’s successful first release of precision-guided air-to-surface weapons early this month.

Conducted from the Spanish air force’s Moron air base by EADS Casa test pilots using an instrumented production aircraft, the 4-5 May tests involved releasing two 450kg (1,000lb) GBU-16 laser-guided bombs (LGB). Additional work involving a further four weapon drops will be completed by July, says EADS. The Typhoon will also undergo clearance activities in Spain this year to deploy 900kg GBU-10 LGBs.

The UK Royal Air Force will become the first Typhoon user to field air-to-surface weapons with the type following deliveries of its first Tranche 1 Block 5 production aircraft from early next year.

Links posted in this story:


Rate this article
12345
Poor   Outstanding
Average rating: 4 out of 5

Click here to check out the highest rated articles
 

For exclusive news and expert analysis every week subscribe to Flight International print edition. Included with your subscription are 4 FREE issues and FREE delivery to your home or office.


FREE Online Marketing Training

Learn how to reach new customers through online advertising and email marketing, drive traffic through SEO and generate new leads online with Flightglobal's 'What Works Online' webinar series

Don’t miss you opportunity to be trained by the experts

Huge discount when you post-a-job online!

Flightglobal Jobs

Advertise your jobs on Flightglobal Jobs for just £499 - usually £750! For more information visit our 'For Recruiters' section.