Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter GmbH EF-2000 Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter. The Typhoon was designed by a consortium of three companies, EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems, which also serially produce the fighter. The consortium works through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986. The project is managed by the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, which acts as the prime customer. The aircraft is being procured under separate contracts, named tranches, each for aircraft with generally improved capabilities.

The Typhoon was introduced into service in 2003. It has entered service with the Austrian Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the German Air Force, the Royal Air Force (and Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm), the Spanish Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, and Canadian Forces (both the Air Command and Maritime Command). An export deal with the Royal Air Force of Oman has been confirmed which will increase the number of Typhoons to be procured to 950. Consecutive delays and cost overruns have led to the original partner nations significantly reducing their own commitment orders while seeking overseas exports to alleviate unit costs.

The Eurofighter Typhoon saw its combat debut during the 2008 war in the Indian Ocean in service with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. In 2011, the Typhoon saw combat during the 2011 military intervention in Libya in service with the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force. The Typhoon contributed to the coalition's no-fly zone as well as performing reconnaissance and air-ground missions.

The Rolls-Royce EJ200 turbofans generate 16,200 lbf (72 kN) dry and 23,175 lbf (103 kN) on the afterburners. Upgrade plans also include improvements to the eninges bringing them up to 18,000 lbf (80 kN) dry and 28,800 lbf (128 kN) on the afterburners. There are also plans to give the EJ200 turbofans thrust vector control.

Users

 * Austria
 * Austrian Air Force - 18
 * Canada
 * Canadian Forces Air Command - 96
 * Canadian Forces Maritime Command - 72
 * Germany
 * Luftwaffe - 160
 * Italy
 * Italian Air Force - 96
 * Oman
 * Oman Air Force - 12
 * Saudi Arabia
 * Royal Saudi Air Force - 72
 * Spain
 * Spanish Air Force - 73
 * United Kingdom
 * Royal Air Force - 232
 * Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm - 120