Flight International online news 14;30GMT: The UK Royal Air Force has received its first synthetic training device for the Eurofighter Typhoon, with an Emulated Deployable Cockpit Trainer (EDCT) recently delivered to RAF Coningsby. 
The Lincolnshire site is the UK’s first of three planned Typhoon main operating bases and currently houses the RAF’s 17 Sqn operational evaluation and 29 Sqn operational conversion units.
The EDCT will enable Typhoon pilots to conduct simulated training sorties and to maintain currency while conducting operational commitments away from frontline bases in the UK.
A second deployable system will be installed at Coningsby before year-end, enabling the RAF to conduct networked simulator-based training.
The device forms part of the Eurofighter programme’s Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) infrastructure, which will deliver equipment including 18 full-mission simulators for installation at 14 locations in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
The delayed ASTA system is being developed by a consortium comprising Alenia Aeonautica, BAE Systems, EADS, EADS Casa and Eurofighter Simulation Systems.
UK support costs for the Typhoon programme totaled a combined £410 million ($730 million) for the 2003-4 and 2004-5 financial years, according to Minister of State for the Armed Forces Adam Ingram. Operating costs totaled £71 million during the same period.
CRAIG HOYLE/LONDON
Source: Flight International
