Eurofighter Typhoon News & Discussions VI

[Scorpion82]

As the previous thread has exceeded the 20 pages limit, this is the new one to continue discussing everything surrounding the Typhoon.

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/sho...d.php?t=109701

[jbritchford]

This might be relevant to Typhoon's hopes in Saudi Arabia:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16539424

[f-35pwiii]

Do any of you experts know if the 3DTVC is likely to be implemented into the tranche 3 deal or is it unlikely?
Thanks in advance

[Scorpion82]

It's unlikely. Tranche 3A aircraft currently on contract for the 4 partner nations are largely similar to the tranche 2 examples including the upcoming Phase 1 Enhancements upgrade. They'll also accommodate some design changes to eliminate expected obsolescences in computer technology and additional provisions for future growth including upgraded generators, a fuel dump, plumps for CFTs, full provisions for the AESA radar and provisions for future growth of DASS. The remaining tranche 3B is unlikely to be ordered by the partner nations, thus far all partners insist that they won't buy additional aircraft, but a follow on tranche may emerge when export orders are secured. Industry still offers a number of options including TVC and if a customer requires it it may find its way on the Typhoon at some point in time, it's also retrofit-able to existing aircraft. As of now no customer is interested in the TVC as other capabilities are more critical and relevant.

[EELightning]

I'm looking forward to following the Phase 1 Enhancement upgrades, they'll certainly be quite a step in capabilities.

Personally, I believe TVNs would be rather beneficial for a number of reasons, not just for maneuverability which isn't their main purpose, but for drag trim, improved take off weight and distance - landing too, increase in thrust & supercruise etc. But as has already been pointed out, they're not a 'must have' upgrade. However, I do also believe that they're better to have rather than just increasing the thrust of the EJ200s.

Conformal Fuel Tanks would be rather high on my list of upgrades though. And with Tranche 3s being 'Plumbed' for CFTs, it indicates that the four Consortium members (high chance of being five) are indeed keen on the idea of fitting them in the not too distant future.

[Grim901]

Does anyone know what is actually included in the Phase 1 upgrades as of yet?

[f-35pwiii]

It's unlikely. Tranche 3A aircraft currently on contract for the 4 partner nations are largely similar to the tranche 2 examples including the upcoming Phase 1 Enhancements upgrade. They'll also accommodate some design changes to eliminate expected obsolescences in computer technology and additional provisions for future growth including upgraded generators, a fuel dump, plumps for CFTs, full provisions for the AESA radar and provisions for future growth of DASS. The remaining tranche 3B is unlikely to be ordered by the partner nations, thus far all partners insist that they won't buy additional aircraft, but a follow on tranche may emerge when export orders are secured. Industry still offers a number of options including TVC and if a customer requires it it may find its way on the Typhoon at some point in time, it's also retrofit-able to existing aircraft. As of now no customer is interested in the TVC as other capabilities are more critical and relevant.

The Typhoon proposed to India does have 3DTVC, do you think that if India were to choose this variant of the Typhoon that maybe it might cause more intrest in implementing 3DTVC into the Tranche 3 deal with Indian funding ?

[Scorpion82]

I'm certain that the Indians are aware off the TVC option, but that it is part of the fixed offer is unlikely. Even when the partner nations are not very likely to opt for TVC.

[raptor2019]

Italian Air Force Eurofighters in air-to-air refuelling mission



Air-to-air refuelling is one of the daily training activities undertaken by Eurofighter Typhoon pilots. In this picture, taken during one of those missions in January 2012, four Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) Typhoons (three single seat and a twin seater), belonging to the 4° Stormo (Wing) based at Grosseto airbase, refuel from a KC-130J of the 46^ Brigata Aerea (Air Brigade) from Pisa..

[Nopia]

Italian Air Force Eurofighters in air-to-air refuelling mission

Is Typhoon still unable to refuel at night?

[Fedaykin]

I presume it can or it wouldn't of been declared ready for service in UK QRA.

[Scorpion82]

Is Typhoon still unable to refuel at night?

There is no issue with the aircraft. When night AARs aren't conducted by an AF the crews won't receive the clearance that's all about it.