Typhoons at Green Flag, Achieve Multirole IOC

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Softwar Ahead of Schedule 9/22/2008 11:24:56 AM

The RAF had set the date of July 1, 2008, as the deadline for the Typhoon FGR.4s to be declared fully multirole capable, and the successful conclusion of the exercise was the final test. They were declared multirole mission capable before the deadline.

A well done to the RAF for carrying out the necessary work to make the Typhoon a much more effective strike fighter. This is what happens when dedication, hard work and a realistic schedule combine to bring success.

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Softwar 9/22/2008 1:56:55 PM

Aviation Week & Space Technology
09/22/2008 , page 22

BAE Systems has begun final assembly of the first British two-seat Typhoon from the Tranche 2 production batch. The aircraft is due to be delivered to the Royal Air Force in late 2009.

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Phaid 9/22/2008 2:53:43 PM

Yeah I initially had a hard time reconciling the Tranches with the British designations.

The RAF has five standards in active duty:

Typhoon F.2 - single seat Tranche 1 Block 2, which has full air to air capability but no real air to ground

Typhoon FGR.4 - single seat Tranche 1 Block 5, which is multirole and recon capable

Typhoon T.1 - two seat Tranche 1 Block 1, basic air defense and minimal systems

Typhoon T.1A - two seat Tranche 1 Block 2 or Block 2B, air to air only

Typhoon T.3 - two seat Tranche 1 Block 5, fully multirole capable

All RAF typhoons are being upgraded to FGR.4 or T.3 standard.

The Tranche 2 (Block 8) aircraft will probably be designated FGR.5 and T.4. Tranche 2 doesn't immediately bring any new capabilities, but these aircraft will have an upgraded computer system and some obsolete components from earlier blocks are replaced with newer versions. The expanded computer system will allow integration of future weapon systems (e.g. Meteor) and eventually the AESA radar.

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forvalour 9/23/2008 12:30:43 PM

I'm not sure about the truth of this, but I've heard the RAF gave some Raptor pilots a 'bit of a shock' I think the phrase was.

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Phaid 9/23/2008 12:34:10 PM

I'm not sure about the truth of this, but I've heard the RAF gave some Raptor pilots a 'bit of a shock' I think the phrase was.

Really? Because what I heard was this:

Guys - I just got back from the 355th FG reunion hosted by the 355th FW at Davis Monthan. At Roll Call on Friday night at the O-Club the newly deployed Euro Fighter rotation of Brits were in full array and feisty - until the discussion of 'Say, how are you guys doing against the F-22?"

"Well, if you can see the bloody thing you have a chance... not a great chance but about the same as an F-15 or F-16 has against us. The problem is the AAMRAM is up your a$$ long before you can possibly see it. Quite discouraging 'do' at Nellis, really."

Shocking!

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the British Lion 9/23/2008 6:20:41 PM

I'm not sure about the truth of this, but I've heard the RAF gave some Raptor pilots a 'bit of a shock' I think the phrase was.

Really? Because what I heard was this:

Guys -
I just got back from the 355th FG reunion hosted by the 355th FW at
Davis Monthan. At Roll Call on Friday night at the O-Club the newly
deployed Euro Fighter rotation of Brits were in full array and feisty -
until the discussion of 'Say, how are you guys doing against the F-22?"

"Well, if you can see the bloody thing you have a chance... not a
great chance but about the same as an F-15 or F-16 has against us. The
problem is the AAMRAM is up your a$$ long before you can possibly see
it. Quite discouraging 'do' at Nellis, really."

Shocking!

Thank heavens we're on the same side is all I can say

B.L.

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