The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly advanced multi-role fighter aircraft developed by a consortium of European aerospace companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Designed to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the Typhoon is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems. It features a delta wing configuration and canard foreplanes, which provide excellent maneuverability and agility. Powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, the Typhoon can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 and has a combat range of over 1,800 kilometers. Its armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon and a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs, making it a versatile and lethal platform for modern air combat.
The Eurofighter Typhoon has been adopted by several air forces around the world, including the Royal Air Force, the German Air Force, and the Italian Air Force. It has seen combat operations in various conflicts, including the 2011 military intervention in Libya. Its ongoing development and upgrades ensure that the Eurofighter Typhoon remains at the forefront of combat aviation for years to come.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Length: 15.96 m (52.4ft)
- Wingspan: 10.95 m (35.9 ft)
- Height: 5.28 m (17.33 ft)
- Empty weight: 11,000 kg (24,250 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 23,500 kg (51,809 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines, 60 kN (13,500 lbf) thrust each dry, 90 kN (20,230 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed: 2,495 km/h (Mach 2, 1350 kts) at altitude
- Range: 2,900 km (1,566 nmi) with drop tanks
- Service ceiling: 19,812 m (65,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 315 m/s (62,000 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns: 1 × 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon
- Hardpoints: 13 (8× under-wing, 5× under-fuselage) with a capacity of up to 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) of stores, including:
- Air-to-air missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-120 AMRAAM
- Air-to-surface missiles: AGM-65 Maverick, Brimstone, Taurus, Storm Shadow
- Bombs: Paveway IV, Enhanced Paveway, JDAM, HOPE/HOSBO, B61 nuclear bomb