DAIMLER-BENZ Aerospace (DASA) and British Aerospace are continuing to wrangle over Eurofighter workshare, with DASA having been forced to sacrifice at least production of the aircraft's fin and the centre-line pylon.
DASA is struggling to come to terms with problems over the disparity between its 33% development workshare, and Germany's likely production requirement for only 140 aircraft; giving it a production workshare of only 23%.
The fin and pylon work was based on a German production requirement of 200 aircraft, which would have given DASA a 30% stake in the programme. A senior German industry executive says: "This is a very stupid struggle...the British are playing a very tricky game."
At government level, however, the UK will take a conciliatory approach in a forthcoming meeting with German officials.
Roger Freeman, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, says that, while a German need for 140 aircraft "...presents a problem, we want to be reasonable. We are willing to take account of development expenditure."
Freeman says that a German workshare of 27-28% would be acceptable to the UK.
The Royal Air Force will receive between 250-290 aircraft under the present planning figures.
Italy and Spain are also partners in the project.
Source: Flight International