The first production aircraft flew in 2003, and delivery of the first aircraft started during early 2004. The Typhoon is to replace the Tornado F3 and then the Jaguar. It is planned that the Typhoon front-line will comprise 7 squadrons, of which 4 will be primarily Air Defence, 2 Swing-role, and one Offensive Support covering a full range of Combat Air Operations. Initial deliveries will be to the Typhoon hub at RAF Coningsby. Subsequent aircraft will go to Tornado F3 squadrons at Leeming and Leuchars before Jaguar squadrons are re-equipped. The Typhoon (formerly EFA – European Fighter Aircraft) is a single seat, STOL capable aircraft optimised for air superiority/air defence and ground attack roles. Germany, Italy and Spain are UK partners in the most costly European collaboration programme to date. The air forces of the four countries have ordered a total of 620 Eurofighters (UK 232, Germany 180, Italy 121, and Spain 87). The UK will receive its aircraft in 3 x Tranches. Tranche 1 - 55 aircraft (mainly air defence aircraft with some multi-role towards the end of the tranche). Tranche 2 - 89 aircraft Tranche 3 - 88 aircraft (Final decision on production and numbers not required before 2007) The original estimated procurement cost of the RAF Typhoons was some £16.7bn, including research and development costs – making it the most expensive weapon system yet produced for the UK armed forces. The latest unit cost estimate is £64.8 million across Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 aircraft. Typhoon is a fifth-generation combat aircraft with fully digital, integrated aircraft, avionics and weapon systems. Typhoon is designed to perform at least five air missions. air superiority, air interdiction, Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), Close Air Support (CAS) and Maritime Attack. It may in time be modified to fulfil naval aircraft carrier roles, and a navalised version of Typhoon may be the longer term answer to the Joint Strike Fighter programme if difficulties with the United States cannot be resolved. The aircraft is designed to carry 6 x medium-range and 2 x short-range air-to-air missiles. The aircraft has 13 x store stations and an internal gun fitted on the starboard side. A range of air-to-ground weapons can be carried, including the new Storm Shadow CASOM, Brimstone anti-armour weapon, and the future Precision Guided Bomb (PGB). No modifications will be necessary to carry "smart" weapons and 3 stations can carry external fuel pods. The Captor radar is a collaboration European design. Other sensors include the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system. The Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) equipment is carried in 2 x wing pods that are an integral part of the wing. The datalink is provided by the Multiple Image Data System (MIDS). The aircraft will be able to operate from a 500 metre strip. There has been much discussion regarding the quality and performance of this aircraft. During an exchange in the House of Lords on 13 January 2006 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Lord Bach commented “ I must refer to the senior United States Air Force general who, fresh from an exhilarating first flight in Typhoon and, naturally, quite excited, was heard to say "This is the best fast jet in the world"

Specifications

 Wingspan 10.95m, Max Speed 1,321mph/2,125 kph, Empty Weight 22,000lb/9,999kg, Max Take-Off Weight 46,305lb/21,000kg, Ferry Range 5,382 km/3,310 miles with 4 x drop tanks, Engines = 2 x Eurojet EJ200 turbofans Armament 1 x 27mm (first RAF batch only),

 Air Interdiction 2 x Storm Shadow, 2 x ALARM, 4 x AMRAAM, 2 x ASRAAM 2 x 1,500 litre fuel tank & 1 x 1,000 litre fuel tank.

Close Air Support 18 x Brimstone, 4 x AMRAAM, 2 x ASRAAM, 1 x 1,000 litre fuel tank,

SEAD 6 x ALARM, 4 x AMRAAM, 2 x ASRAAM, 1 x 1,000 litre fuel tank.

Maritime Attack 4 x Penguin, 4 x AMRAAM, 2 x ASRAAM, 2 x 1,500 litre fuel tank & 1 x 1,000 litre fuel tank.

 Also available to be carried are the Sidewinder AAM; Meteor BVRAAM; Paveway II,III, EPR (IV) LGB; JDAM or other PGB