June 19, 2013
The week's top five must-sees,
delivered to your inbox.
Features include interactive map, in-depth stories, and more.
Download now. »
The week's top five must-sees,
delivered to your inbox.
|
Description
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter. The Typhoon was designed by a consortium of three companies, EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems, which also serially produce the fighter. The consortium works through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986. The project is managed by the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, which acts as the prime customer. The aircraft is being procured under separate contracts, named tranches, each for aircraft with generally improved capabilities.
The Typhoon was introduced into service in 2003. It has entered service with the Austrian Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the German Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Spanish Air Force, and the Royal Saudi Air Force. An export deal with the Royal Air Force of Oman has been confirmed which will increase the number of Typhoons to be procured to 571. Consecutive delays and cost overruns have led to the original partner nations significantly reducing their own commitment orders while seeking overseas exports to alleviate unit costs.
The Eurofighter Typhoon saw its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya in service with the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force. Typhoon contributed to the coalition's no-fly zone as well as performing reconnaissance and air-ground missions.
(via Freebase)
|
