Eurofighter has explored about 90% of the flight envelope of its initial operating capability (IOC) baseline configuration. Tests are pushing ahead, with the aim of the four Eurofighter partners receiving IOC air-defence configured aircraft in 2002.
DaimlerChrysler Aerospace's DA5 aircraft is flying with the FCS 2B/1 software that gives Eurofighter autopilot and auto-throttle for the first time.
The two-seat DA4, one of two aircraft being test flown by British Aerospace, has the same software and an "active" rear cockpit that gives the occupant working displays and controls. This has allowed the aircraft to be flown from the rear seat for the first time.
DA4 and DA5 are also equipped with ECR90 radars that are "essentially the same" as the IOC unit. DA4 has flown with new constant frequency generators which provide electrical power.
BAe's other aircraft, DA2, has completed baseline configuration flutter trials at Mach 1.2 and 750kt (1,390km/h) and has flown at 50,000ft (15,150m). It has also been modified with the production standard Aircrew Systems Package that provides pressure breathing at high altitude and supplies pressure breathing with g, which helps prevent aircrew suffering g-induced loss of consciousness.
Alenia prototype DA3 has flown with functioning 1,000 litre (220USgal) supersonic external fuel tanks and 1,500 litre subsonic fuel tanks. Although tanks have been carried on previous flights, fuel had not been transferred.
Source: Flight International
