EuroFighters have limited combat readiness?

[Elite Brain]

HALLBERGMOOS, Germany --- This week’s edition of the German news magazine “Der Spiegel” claims that the German Air Force Eurofighters have only limited combat readiness and that development costs appear to be higher than expected. On Saturday, the German Ministry of Defence rejected this story and confirmed that all development tasks were running according to plan.

Regarding the alleged limited mission capability, Eurofighter GmbH has repeatedly emphasized, and reiterates again, that the performance standards of Eurofighter are implemented and released in stages. This is a common process and is applied by the international aerospace industry worldwide.

Contrary to Spiegel’s reporting the Development Aircraft have already proven Eurofighter’s capabilities including gun firing, carriage of external fuel tanks and firing of air-to-air missiles. Series production aircraft have all of these capabilities, but release of relevant clearance to service pilots is a progressive, staged approach.

The electronic self-defence system DASS will also be introduced in stages and is to be fully implemented by December 2006. Type acceptance for the first aircraft now being delivered with the initial stage of DASS clearance was granted by the NATO-Eurofighter Agency in December 2004 and the first individual aircraft to this standard entered service with the Spanish Air Force before the end of last year.

The German Air Force has received eight aircraft thus far. As was planned, one aircraft is used exclusively for training of maintenance crews, while the remaining aircraft are currently being operated in an evaluation programme looking at operational issues such as tactics and logistics. These aircraft and their service release will gradually be upgraded to the full production standard. This is a very common strategy at this early stage of their in-service life.

Based on these facts, the European aerospace industry representing 100, 000 jobs involved in the Eurofighter programme and a major plank of national defense strategy in five European nations can only challenge the motivation and objective “Der Spiegel” pursues with this ‘information policy’.

 

[webmaster]

Please provide news source/link when you post such items.

Source for above:
PRNewswire

 

[Aussie Digger]

This is not news. The delivery of the Eurofighter has been planned this way for over 10 years!!! A, Germany has only received 8 aircraft to date. They would not be "combat ready" no matter which plane you were buying. B, It was agreed upon by every partner in the Eurofighter consortium that the initial Tranche 1 planes are to be equipped for air to air and training purposes ONLY.

The later Tranche 2 aircraft (for which the contracts have just been signed) will come equipped with the FULL air to air and air to ground capabiility planned for. A later version Tranche 3 will equip the Eurofighter with even more advanced capabilities including the CAPTOR AESA radar, updated engines and Vectored thrust nozzles for the engines and other advanced capabilities. This article is ignorant in the extreme and typical of mass media trying to stir up "controversy"...

 

[Awang se]

it's ignorance at highest level.

 

[Salman78]

The article failed to mention that EF2000 wont have all its intended capabilities until atleast 2010. meteor being one drag.

 

[Aussie Digger]

That's right Salman, but it's been planned that way the whole time. If anyone thinks they can deliver a fully operational aircraft as soon as the first one rolls off the production line, well I'd like to see them have a go... You have to remember that these aircraft will be in service for 30 odd years more than likely. A phased introduction is a an excellent way of ensuring that all the problems with one particular set of capabilities are worked out prior to new ones being introduced. EVERY advanced modern fighter is being delivered this way. The Rafale is exactly the same, as is the F-22 and so will the F-35...

 

[turin]

Just one suggestion from a permanent "Spiegel"-reader: forget about their comments on military issues, esp. the Eurofighter. In their whole time as a journalistic paper they didnt manage even once to present an unbiased view on such topics. Their latest news about the EF reflects poor research, an understanding of weapons evaluation and integration, that cant be called even basic and a clear political position on the whole topic of defense expenditures.

As much as I like to read the "Spiegel" for purely political news and evaluations, I'd say their military knowledge and understanding tends to be nonexistent.

 

[Salman78]

limited it is for the moment but it impressed the singaporians in a big way. lets see what they opt for. rafale, eurofighter or f-15

 

[Howard Wheeldon]

Yes, the Singaporian decision on Eurofighter will be very interesting and there is no doubt the aircraft impressed. Though the decision is probably not imminent yet the French obviously think it is judging by the vast amounts of advertising and marketing for they have been pouring in of late. How awfull - have they no taste! One can only hope that whatever the Singaporians finally decide for their next generation of fighter aircraft will be based on the best aircraft for the job required. Knowing the Singaporeans, I have no doubt that it will.

When it comes to that ridiculous German article about the combat readiness of Eurofighter I agree with many of the sentiments already expressed by members. What nonsense the German press talks - and I can tell you that some of the British press isn't that much better. Why is it that we Europeans can't be proud of what we have achieved? No wonder the French laugh at us. Eurofighter is a fantastic achievement and though it has had many setbacks over the years what we have ended up with is a truly great world beating product. I have recently been to both German and UK Eurofighter centres of excellence and I can tell you that both teams charged with turning this fantastic swooping bird into a world beating fighting machine are delighted with what they have got. Problems have been minimal particularly compared with those of Tornado. The fact that they chose to put the aircraft into service in different ways is immaterial. As for the U.K. Case White program (currently still at Warton before moving to RAF Conningsby later this year) I get the strong impression the overall program is already ahead of target. All credit to the teams involved and of course, Eurofighter gmbh.
Howard Wheeldon

 

[tatra]

Ah, der Spiegel ... now there's a quality publication .... <pffffffff>

 

[hot222]

It looks normal to me, that when you get the first produstions aircrafts, of a new from scratch designed aircraft, there will be problems. Also it's obvious that the first aircraft will be limited mission capable (LMC). Usually they used for pilots' trainning, maintance and logistics tests.

When the FMC (full mission capable) aircrafts will be on duty, the first will go back to the production line, to get their FMC.

 

[adsH]

17 December 2004

BRITISH INDUSTRY CELEBRATES £5Bn ORDER AS TYPHOON REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
The Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Geoff Hoon, stood shoulder to shoulder with Britain’s defence aerospace industry today as he confirmed that a four-nation contract for the second batch of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft has been signed.

The contract - worth a total of 14Bn Euros across Europe - covers the supply of a further 236 aircraft to Europe’s leading Air Forces, and also brings forward operational capability planned for later variants of the aircraft to deliver a powerful swing-role aircraft far earlier than envisaged.

The commitment to Tranche 2 reflects the confidence generated by the aircraft’s outstanding performance as it has entered service with the RAF. At press conferences today at both the RAF’s first base to operate Typhoon, RAF Coningsby, and at BAE Systems Warton plant, the current home of Typhoon, the Secretary of State commented:

“I am delighted to announce the contract signature which will see the second tranche of Typhoon aircraft assembled at BAE Systems Warton. Warton has been manufacturing equipment for the RAF for many years, ranging from the Lightning to the Tornado and will play a vital role in the success of the Typhoon programme.

This order is excellent news for British industry. The UK part of the Tranche 2 Typhoon order is worth £4.3 billion and not only underlines the Governments’s belief in the excellence of Warton’s BAE Systems workforce but more generally represents a vote of confidence in the UK aerospace industry.â€

The contract represents a major milestone for both the Typhoon programme, and for UK Industry. BAE Systems, the UK’s largest defence contractor, holds responsibility for the design of many of the key systems of the cutting-edge Typhoon, manufactures major units including the front and rear fuselage, and will also assemble all 232 of the RAF’s aircraft. Rolls Royce, a 36% shareholder in Eurojet, the European consortium responsible for the EJ200 engine that powers Typhoon, produces the combustion system, high pressure turbine, intermediate casing and other components, and will also assemble, test and deliver 195 engines for the RAF.

The Tranche 2 contract is worth some £4.3Bn to BAE Systems and £750M to Rolls Royce, and at peak production, the Typhoon programme will help sustain 5,000 jobs at BAE Systems, 4,000 throughout Rolls Royce and its supply chain and up to 16,000 in total the UK aerospace industry.

Speaking at the press conference, Mike Turner, Chief Executive of BAE Systems emphasised the importance of programmes like Typhoon to the UK’s ability to maintain and enhance the technology, skills and capabilities required to fulfil both industry’s and Government’s future requirements. He praised the performance of both the aircraft and the workforce, commenting:

“Seeing Typhoon make such an impressive entrance to its service life has been just reward for our employees, and for those who work tirelessly in the supply chain to support us. This superb product is one of which our workforce can be justifiably proud. The Tranche Two contract represents many months of hard work, and is a clear and balanced result. I must thank all those who have worked so hard to bring us here.â€

He was joined by Colin Green, President of Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, who added

“We are obviously delighted to finalise this agreement which brings stability to our future production and underpins around 4000 high skilled jobs for Rolls-Royce and its supply chain. The EJ200 engine is already earning plaudits for its performance from the RAF and we are achieving landmark availability levels both through its superior design and our innovative support activities.â€
http://www.baesystems.co.uk/newsroom/2004/dec/171204news1.htm


So we will have trench 2 Capability soon.

 

[Ramjetmissile]

Singapore silent on reports Eurofighter out of jet bid
Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:03 AM BST

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore declined to comment on Thursday on new reports that the city-state had dropped the Eurofighter combat jet from consideration in a $1 billion order.
Jane's Defence Weekly, quoting sources close to the Eurofighter programme, said on Wednesday that Singapore's defence ministry had delivered the Eurofighter team a letter formally discounting the jet from its fighter replacement programme.

On Monday, an industry source told Reuters that Singapore had dropped the Eurofighter combat jet from consideration but that the Rafale jet from France's Dassault and the F-15 from Boeing Co. remain in contention for the $1 billion order.

A Singapore Ministry of Defence spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports. "We can only confirm that the evaluation is still in progress," she said when asked when Singapore would decide on the bids.

The Singapore order, expected to include 20 jets, is pivotal because Boeing needs orders for the F-15 to ensure continued production, while Dassault and Eurofighter hunt for their first export orders from beyond Europe.

The Financial Times reported on Thursday that Singapore's defence ministry had stopped short of dropping Eurofighter from the bid but had raised detailed questions about the ability to fit Singapore's advanced weapons on the jet.

The four-nation Eurofighter consortium includes Franco-German Airbus parent EADS, Britain's BAE Systems, and Italian Finmeccanica's Alenia Aeronautica.

EAGER TO SELL

Industry sources told Reuters in March that the Southeast Asian city-state would probably decide on a replacement for its ageing A-4SU Super Skyhawk jets in the second quarter of 2005.

Singapore is known as a sophisticated arms buyer and its choice could influence other countries considering new fighters.

Jane's Defence Weekly said "issues of pricing and the reliable release of capability" within the required time frame were key concerns that derailed Eurofighter's bid.

The Rafale has yet to win its first export order after Dassault lost out on orders from Norway, the Netherlands and South Korea.

Singapore has also tested the F-15 fighter jets built by Boeing, which is under pressure to win a deal that would help it extend F-15 production beyond 2008.

All three of those multi-mission aircraft are much larger and more effective than the old Skyhawks, which are considered good, light bombers but are not fighters.

Boeing won a previous showdown against Dassault when South Korea opted for the F-15 in 2002.

Singapore-based sources told Reuters the French jet would probably be competitively priced, but that Boeing could benefit from Singapore's close links to the United States.

Singapore hosts a U.S. military communications and logistics command, U.S. navy ships regularly call at Changi Naval Base, and U.S. aircraft are permitted to use the republic's air fields. In May 2003, the two countries signed a bilateral free trade agreement.

 

[Ramjetmissile]

Singapore drops Eurofighter Typhoon from shopping list: Jane's
21/04 02:49 AM (GMT)

© 2005 AFP

SINGAPORE (AFP) - The race for Singapore's next-generation fighter jets has narrowed down to the French-built Rafale and Boeing's F-15 Strike Eagle after the Eurofighter Typhoon was dropped from the shortlist, a defence journal has reported.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) told AFP Thursday that it had no comment on the report by the authoritative Jane's Defence Weekly.

The military affairs magazine Wednesday quoted unnamed sources as saying MINDEF had informed the Eurofighter consortium of its decision.

The contract for the replacement of Singapore's squadron of Skyhawk jets is believed to be worth one billion US dollars.

Concerns over the Typhoon's "reliable release of capability" and pricing were the main factors that derailed its chances, Jane's said.

"Jane's Defence Weekly understands that issues of pricing and the reliable release of capability within the Republic of Singapore Air Force'srequired timeframe were key concerns that derailed Eurofighter's bid," it said.

The wealthy Southeast Asian city-state, which has one of the most modern armed forces in the region, has carried out a strict evaluation process for the warplanes. An announcement of the winning bidder is expected this year.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role combat jet with a range of 2,500 kilometres (1,560 miles) and can be equipped with a mix of missiles depending on its mission.

It is built by a consortium involving the French-Spanish-German group EADS, Britain's BAE Systems and Italy's Alenia.

 

[adsH]

Singapore drops Eurofighter Typhoon from shopping list: Jane's
21/04 02:49 AM (GMT)

© 2005 AFP

SINGAPORE (AFP) - The race for Singapore's next-generation fighter jets has narrowed down to the French-built Rafale and Boeing's F-15 Strike Eagle after the Eurofighter Typhoon was dropped from the shortlist, a defence journal has reported.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) told AFP Thursday that it had no comment on the report by the authoritative Jane's Defence Weekly.

The military affairs magazine Wednesday quoted unnamed sources as saying MINDEF had informed the Eurofighter consortium of its decision.

The contract for the replacement of Singapore's squadron of Skyhawk jets is believed to be worth one billion US dollars.

Concerns over the Typhoon's "reliable release of capability" and pricing were the main factors that derailed its chances, Jane's said.

"Jane's Defence Weekly understands that issues of pricing and the reliable release of capability within the Republic of Singapore Air Force'srequired timeframe were key concerns that derailed Eurofighter's bid," it said.

The wealthy Southeast Asian city-state, which has one of the most modern armed forces in the region, has carried out a strict evaluation process for the warplanes. An announcement of the winning bidder is expected this year.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role combat jet with a range of 2,500 kilometres (1,560 miles) and can be equipped with a mix of missiles depending on its mission.

It is built by a consortium involving the French-Spanish-German group EADS, Britain's BAE Systems and Italy's Alenia.

i think its because of the time frame, the international EF's would have to be built after the Initial Partner nations orders. we Have plenty of requirement between the partners, but the EF-2000 program's future really depended on international orders. its unit price Platform Evolution all depended on the international interests. i think someone isn't playing fare out there in the field (French).