Two of the Royal Air Force’s leading officers have hailed the performance of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet during its first decade of flying and because deliveries were made to the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) in 2003.
With the addition of latest technology developments over the past 10 years, the aircraft is now the world’s only truly ‘swing’ role jet, capable of switch from air-to-air to air-to-surface attack capabilities within the same mission.
Praise indeed
Air Vice-Marshal Edward Stringer, the RAF’s Assistant Chief of Air Staff, praised the performance of ‘Team Typhoon’ and said the aircraft had produced a “level of accuracy not seen anywhere before” on its deployment in Operation Ellamy, the conflict in Libya.
Proud
Speaking on the Royal International Air Tattoo the Air Vice-Marshal said: “The team and the technical staff behind it may justifiably be very proud. The acclaim have been backed up by his colleague Wing Commander Richard Wells, who said Typhoon have been acclaimed by leading US pilots for its performance at an enormous keep fit exercise over the Nevada desert is called Red Flag.
Growth potential
Wing Commander Richard Wells, who led the mission for the RAF, said: “More often than not, Typhoon pilots were being described as ‘slayers’ by the united states pilots – that was very nice for me to listen to.” He added he was “really proud” to be flying Typhoon, saying: “What it says to me is that, in capabilities terms, Typhoon has growth potential and is strong for the long run. i’ve confidence after I take a look at it. “It is a huge success story.”
Capability upgrades
Since the primary deliveries were made and in subsequent years the aircraft has undergone a chain of capability upgrades, making it the undoubted jewel within the RAF’s crown.
Before the tip of 2013, the 1st Tranche 3 aircraft will take to the skies above our Lancashire site, jam-packed with the most recent technology to extend payload, range and knowledge processing abilities this can further underscore its claims to be among the many world’s elite fighters.
Working together
Wing Commander Wells also hailed the “important partnership” which had developed between the army and industry during Typhoon first 10 years in service. He described how BAE Systems personnel and others at RAF Coningsby “swung into” operating 24-hour shifts to make sure Typhoon was ready for operations in Libya. He added: “Ellamy represented a coming of age for the aircraft.”
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