Five European Countries Operate Advanced Fighter

BAE System notes the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to impress and deliver outstanding operational delivery rates to the five air forces across Europe which are currently flying this leading edge swing-role combat aircraft.

By the end of 2007, the combined fleet of 136 in-service Typhoons and seven Flight Test aircraft has accumulated over 35,000 flying hours, demonstrating the tremendous growth of the in-service fleet and unprecedented serviceability levels. In the UK, the Royal Air Force with BAE Systems support is currently achieving a 94% sortie success rate, with a post sortie serviceability rate of over 65%.

The build up of flying hours in the Nations' Air Forces reflects the success of integrating the weapon system into their Armed Forces and, increasingly, highlights the importance of Typhoon for NATO air defence responsibilities. Already the aircraft is on full operational duty in the air-to-air role with in the UK, Italy and Germany.

The six original Development Aircraft have now been retired following conclusion of their scheduled tasks passing the baton of the continued development of this outstanding weapon system's capabilities onto the test fleet of seven Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) and one Instrumented Series Production Aircraft (ISPA, BT005 of the Royal Air Force).

The latest addition, IPA7, is the first Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoon and will be flown alongside IPA6 in the test program to achieve the clearances for Tranche 2 Type Acceptance and further capability enhancements.

FMI: www.eurofighter.com