A major new development contract which will pave the way for continuous capability enhancements of the Eurofighter Typhoon has been signed by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).
The package (known as Evolution Package 2) will be delivered by the end of 2015. The Contract signing was announced on Wednesday 30th October in South Korea at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition 2013.
Evolution Package 2 consists of a number of improvements including enhancements to the major avionics sensor such as the Radar and the Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS) of the Eurofighter Typhoon. It also includes enhancements designed to cater for the latest operational requests of Customers and important enhancements to the Multifunction Information and Distribution System (MIDS).
In addition, the package will include further improvements to the Flight Control System (FCS) and the Utility Control System (UCS) that will allow the Eurofighter Typhoon to be more compatible with evolving requirements within the Commercial Aviation air space environment.
Alberto Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter GmbH, said: “The signature of this Contract represents a significant milestone for what is known as the Phase 2 Enhancement programme for the Eurofighter Typhoon. It brings with it a whole raft of enhancements designed to ensure the capability package we offer our customers is the best on offer anywhere in the world.”
Jesus Pinillos Prieto, General Manager of NETMA, said: “Eurofighter Typhoon was designed, from the outset, for capability growth, and this package of enhancements is further evidence that we are building on this fundamental strength. It is something we firmly believe sets us apart from the competition.”
This new Development Contract follows the Meteor Integration Contract signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2013. It secures the integration of the world’s most advanced next generation Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile on to the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Since entry into service of the first Eurofighter Typhoon at the end of 2003, more than 380 Eurofighter have been delivered to six countries: Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia. As seventh customer, Oman ordered a total of 12 aircraft in December 2012. Up to now, the whole Eurofighter fleet has completed more than 200,000 flying hours.
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.
The programme secures more than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies Alenia Aermacchi/Finmeccanica, BAE Systems and Cassidian in Germany and Spain, which are the most important aviation and aerospace companies in Europe with a turnover of about 126 billion euro (2012).
