BAE Systems has started final assembly of the first Typhoon jet destined for delivery to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at its final assembly facility in Warton, Lancashire, UK.
Assembly of the twin-seat Typhoon starts with the marry-up of the fuselage, wings and undercarriage using special automated alignment facilities which use laser-trackers and computer-automated jacks.
Other early stages of assembly will include fitting of the fin, foreplanes and marry-up of all the systems.
Martin Taylor, Managing Director, Military Air & Information, BAE Systems said:
“BAE Systems has a long-standing relationship with RAFO, through its operation of both the Jaguar fighter aircraft and an earlier variant of the BAE Systems Hawk, and we are proud to provide the support required to the Sultanate. Assembly of the first RAFO Typhoon is progressing well and we are on target for first deliveries of the jet as planned”.
Under a contract signed in 2012, the Sultanate of Oman purchased a number of Typhoon and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft. As well as supplying aircraft, we will also provide in-service support to the RAFO’s operational tasks.
Eurofighter Typhoon is the most advanced new generation multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft currently available on the world market. Seven customers (Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman) have already ordered the Eurofighter Typhoon.
With 719 aircraft under contract and 571 on order, Eurofighter Typhoon is currently the largest military procurement programme in Europe. Its high technology strengthens the position of European aerospace industry in the international market.
