Just
a few days after participating in a complex exercise in Al Dhafra, Abu
Dhabi and with aircraft still in Malaysia for exercise BERSAMA LIMA 11,
two Typhoon jets will appear at the 2011 Dubai Air Show 2011. At the event,
where a Typhoon will be flying daily in the air display, Eurofighter will
have a large pavilion to exhibit the latest technologies developed for
the world’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
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The presence of the two jets at the most important air
show in the region will be further proof of the excellent deployment
capabilities of the Typhoon, already proven during Libyan operations
when jets from the Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force redeployed
to Southern Italy air bases to operate in support of United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1973.
The deployment in
Libya has clearly defined the key functions of the aircraft, ranging
from the vital task of air superiority, with the capability to engage
multiple targets at long, medium or short range using AMRAAM, IRIS-T
or ASRAAM missiles, to the newly established surface attack role, striking
at long range with precision weapons. In addition, Typhoon delivered
close air support to ground forces – including the supply of intelligence,
a show of force and weapon attack.
Participation in
the Libyan operations marked the combat debut of the Typhoon and the
first time it has been used as a swing-role platform. Typhoon covered
two vital roles over Libya that were previously discharged by two separate
platforms.
The fact that the
airframe is largely constructed of carbon fibre composites and light
alloys to save weight – meaning it consumes less fuel and can
carry more weapons was never more vital than on the five hour plus missions
along the Libyan coastline and after six months of operations, Dubai
Air Show 2011 is a perfect showcase for the Typhoon.
At the show, Eurofighter
will display a selection of the range of capabilities for the Typhoon,
including:
• The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which thanks
to the large aircraft nose, allows for an optimised array with the addition
of an innovative re-positioner to broaden the field of regard to more
than 200 degrees, some 50% wider than traditional fixed plate AESA radar
systems.
• The most advanced Helmet Mounted Symbology System (HMSS) which
forms a key component of the Eurofighter Typhoon weapon system, improving
tactical performance for Eurofighter pilots by providing essential flight
and weapon aiming information through line of sight imagery.
• The Meteor missile - considered the “game changer”
in terms of kill probability thanks to its dynamic performances, speed
and range.
• The Marte anti-ship missile.
• The Thrust Vectoring Nozzle (TVN) for the Eurojet EJ200 engines.
These technological developments on the Typhoon open the door to industrial
collaborations between local industries and the Eurofighter’s
partner companies keen to develop the partnership with aerospace and
high-tech companies in the growing technology and industrial base of
the Gulf region.
Already in service
with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), the Typhoon is considered the
perfect “desert eagle”. The aircraft already demonstrates
its full capabilities in the arid, hot and humid climate of the Gulf
region. Thanks to its exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio, the Typhoon
suffers less than other fighters in the difficult environmental conditions
and is able to exploit at full its payload capability and range performances.
Totally interoperable
with current and future Gulf and allied air forces assets, the Typhoon
is the perfect coalition fighter to offer deterrence to the Gulf States
today and in the future.
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