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First UK Tranche 2 Typhoon 'nearing completion' |
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
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BAE Systems is in the final stage of assembly for the first UK Tranche 2 twin-seat Typhoon.
British aerospace and defence company BAE Systems has announced that it is nearing completion of its first Tranche 2 twin-seat Typhoon aircraft.
The fighter jet will provide customers with an increased capability compared to the previous model, thanks to improved speed and power systems and a stronger airframe enabling it to carry heavier weapons.
It is currently in BAE's final assembly facility in Warton, having been manufactured in partner nations' facilities across Europe. It will be delivered to the RAF following completion and flight testing, probably in last 2009, and used to train new Typhoon pilots.
This latest milestone comes just two months after the Royal Air Force (RAF) declared the Typhoon multi-role capable, meaning that it can deliver both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
Typhoon is one of the leading programmes in the European aerospace industry, employing over 100,000 people across the continent.
As well as the RAF, the German Luftwaffe, the Italian Air Force, the Spanish Air Force and the Austrian Air Force all use the Typhoon. Recently, Saudi Arabia signed a £4.4 billion contract for 72 aircraft.
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