The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile, multirole fighter designed for air superiority and ground attack. Developed by a consortium of European nations, it remains a key component of NATO air defense and one of the most advanced combat aircraft in service today.
Key Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain |
| Manufacturer | Eurofighter GmbH |
| First Flight | March 27, 1994 |
| Service Years | 2003 – Present |
| Role | Multirole Fighter |
| Crew | 1 (Single-seat) or 2 (Dual-seat variant) |
| Length | 15.96 m (52 ft 4 in) |
| Wingspan | 10.95 m (35 ft 11 in) |
| Height | 5.28 m (17 ft 4 in) |
| Weight | Empty: 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs); Max: 23,500 kg (51,810 lbs) |
| Engine(s) | 2 × Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofans |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.0 (2,495 km/h, 1,550 mph) |
| Range | 2,900 km (1,800 mi) |
| Ceiling | 19,812 m (65,000 ft) |
| Armament | 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs |
Features
- Advanced Avionics: Features an advanced cockpit with hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, multi-function displays, and a helmet-mounted display system.
- Supercruise Capability: The Eurofighter can maintain supersonic flight without afterburners, enhancing fuel efficiency.
- Agility and Maneuverability: Delta wing and canard configuration give exceptional dogfighting capability.
- Multirole Versatility: Capable of performing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.
- Stealth Characteristics: Reduced radar cross-section compared to earlier fighters.
Variants
- Typhoon T1: Initial two-seat trainer variant.
- Typhoon F2: Single-seat air-to-air variant.
- Typhoon FGR4: Multirole upgrade capable of ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Tranche 1, 2, 3: Different production phases, each with incremental improvements in capabilities.
Operational History
The Eurofighter Typhoon is in service with the air forces of several nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It has participated in NATO operations, such as:
- Operation Ellamy (Libya, 2011)
- Baltic Air Policing missions
- Middle Eastern campaigns against ISIS
It continues to play a vital role in air policing, deterrence, and combat operations worldwide.
Notable Facts
- Joint Development: The Eurofighter was developed through collaboration among the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
- Export Success: Operated by countries like Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
- Continuous Upgrades: Regular software and hardware enhancements ensure the Typhoon remains competitive against newer aircraft.
Related Planes
- Dassault Rafale
- F/A-18 Super Hornet
- F-35 Lightning II
The Eurofighter Typhoon represents a pinnacle of European engineering, combining speed, agility, and advanced technology to dominate modern air combat.