The Eurofighter consortium has unveiled a road-map for the development of a number of further enhancements to the Typhoon combat aircraft to be fielded by operators from late 2015.
Unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition on 30 October, the development contract was signed by Eurofighter and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).
Its proposed Evolution Package 2 consists of a number of improvements including radar enhancements and upgrades to the defensive aids sub-systems (DASS).
In addition, the package will include further improvements to the type's flight control system and the utility control system that will "allow the Typhoon to be more compatible with evolving requirements within the commercial aviation air space environment", it says.
Alberto Gutierrez, chief executive of the Eurofighter consortium, says: “The signature of this contract represents a significant milestone for what is known as the Phase 2 Enhancement programme for the Eurofighter Typhoon. It brings with it a whole raft of enhancements designed to ensure the capability package we offer our customers is the best on offer anywhere in the world.”
Jesus Pinillos Prieto, general manager of NETMA, adds: “Eurofighter Typhoon was designed, from the outset, for capability growth, and this package of enhancements is further evidence that we are building on this fundamental strength. It is something we firmly believe sets us apart from the competition.”
The latest contract follows a deal signed at June's Paris air show to begin integration work on MBDA's Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Earlier this week Eurofighter partner company Cassidian revealed that flight-test activities for the Phase 1 enhancements were now complete.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
