BAE Systems has completed the first tests of conformal fuel tanks for the Eurofighter Typhoon in its high-speed windtunnel at Warton in the UK. The 1,500 litre (400USgal) tanks were designed by GKN Engage in Australia and will extend range by around 25%, says BAE. The company says the tanks are "a major selling point in the export market", including the bid for Australia's Air 6000 programme.
Meanwhile, the first element of the Eurofighter Industrial Exchange and Repair Service (IERS) has become operational. IERS phase 1 allows the partner nations - Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK - to track critical spares. Phase 2 is due for delivery in the third quarter and will provide the external links to the Eurofighter Engineering Support System. UK defence minister Lord Bach has confirmed that the Eurofighter will enter Royal Air Force service "by the end of this year" (Flight International, 23-29 April).
Source: Flight International
