Eurofighter has completed the successful mid-air release of a 1,000 litre (265USgal) fuel tank from development aircraft DA7 at Decimomannu AFB in Italy. The tank, attached to the centre-wing pylon on the starboard side, was released at an airspeed of 350kt (650km/h) at 5,000ft (1,500m). The company says the test was a further advance in clearing the aircraft to carry external stores after the earlier successful launch of an AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile and the release of an AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missile.
The German-based DA1 and UK-based DA2 are now being refitted with Eurojet EJ200 engines, replacing Turbo-Union RB199s, and are having Martin Baker Mk16 ejection seats installed and avionics upgraded.
The UK two-seat test aircraft DA4 is undergoing simulated lightning strike trials, while Italy's DA3 and Germany's DA5 continue with engine development and radar tests. Spanish two-seater DA6 is undergoing hot weather trials near Seville.
Source: Flight International
