23 Jun 2006
One of the UKs most famous military aircraft, Typhoon, designed and developed by BAE Systems in the north-west, is set to be the star of flying displays all over the United Kingdom this summer.
Typhoon is scheduled to give some 40 displays at 22 locations between May and September. The Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon Display Team has developed an action-packed seven-and-a-half minute aerobatic sequence which demonstrates Typhoons extreme agility and the sheer power of its two EJ-200 engines.
Now equipping three RAF squadrons, Typhoon is the embodiment of nearly 20 years of co-operation between British, German, Italian and Spanish industry, producing the worlds most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, which will spearhead European defence for the next 30 years.
BAE Systems manufactures the complete front fuselage, fin and rudder, together with components for the centre and rear fuselages, using the most advanced design and lean manufacturing techniques developed and implemented at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, UK. Final assembly of all of the RAFs Typhoon aircraft takes place at BAE Systems in Warton.
Chris Boardman, BAE Systems Managing Director for Typhoon said: With an order book of 638 aircraft Typhoon is a best seller and after seeing the flying display you can understand why. Chris added: Typhoon is in service and in operation, with over 81 aircraft delivered to the air forces of the four partner nations and over 7,500 flying hours now achieved.
In the UK, the RAF has taken delivery of 28 Typhoons and now has three squadrons: the first front-line squadron, No 3 (Fighter) Squadron, which will work up during the course of the year, as well as 17 (Reserve) Squadron the Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU), responsible for evaluating and developing the aircraft for RAF service and 29 Squadron the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) responsible for training pilots. Three more squadrons will form on Typhoon at RAF Leuchars from 2009.
Initially Typhoon will be used in an air defence role, but as its capabilities are expanded and developed in service it will assume an ever increasing air-to-ground responsibility, and will eventually replace the RAFs Tornado F3 fighters and Jaguar GR3 ground attack aircraft.
Image Caption: Typhoon, the RAF's latest frontline aircraft, will be thrilling spectators at Air Shows around the UK this summer.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded GB 15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
For further information please contact:
Debbie Stott, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852995
deborah.stott@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934
Mob: +44 (0) 7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
