The Airframe: Eurofighter Typhoon Specifications
The Airframe: Eurofighter Typhoon Specifications
com/the-aircraft#airframe
Go to the top
The Airframe
The aircraft is built with advanced composite materials to deliver a low radar profile and
strong airframe. Only 15% of the aircraft’s surface is metal, delivering stealth operation and
protection from radar-based systems. Pilots were included in design from the earliest stages to
develop a deliberately unstable airframe that can still be flown effectively. This delivers both
superior manoeuvrability at subsonic speeds and efficient supersonic capability to support the
widest range of combat scenarios.
Max speed
Mach 2.0
Thrust
Length
15.96M
Max altitude
Above 55,000FT
Wingspan
10.95M
The Materials
Strong, lightweight composite materials were key to the design of Eurofighter Typhoon to
give it deliberate instability. Using them means the weight of the airframe is 30% less than for
traditional materials, boosting the range and performance as well as reducing the radar
signature.
General Materials
70%
Metals
15%
12%
Other Materials
3%
Production
Eurofighter Typhoon foreplane
The innovative production techniques developed for Eurofighter Typhoon have created a
whole new industry for the most effective use of advanced composite materials. These
provide greater tensile strength and more aerodynamic performance with less weight and
more reliability than traditional materials.
Go to the top
Developing leading-edge engine technology has been a key part of the Eurofighter Typhoon
project from the start. Four global companies have jointly developed the high performance
EJ200 power plants that each provide 90kN of thrust from a small lightweight engine with
high strength and high temperature capability.
The two-spool design with single-stage turbines drives the three-stage fan and five-stage HP
compressor with annular combustion with vaporising burners. This allows Eurofighter
Typhoon to cruise at supersonic speeds without the use of reheat for extended periods. The
engines deliver 1,000 flying hours without needing unscheduled maintenance through the use
of advanced integrated Health Monitoring for class-leading reliability, maintainability and
Through Life Cost.
Go to the top
Sensors
Eurofighter Typhoon is at the forefront of sensor fusion technology and the sensor suite
continues to be upgraded to deliver enhanced detection and decision-making. Combining the
data from key sensors gives the pilot an autonomous ability to rapidly assess the overall
tactical situation and respond efficiently to identified threats.
The PIRATE infrared sensor provides passive Air-to-Air target detection and tracking
performance in the IRST mode for covert tracking and Air-to-Surface operations in the
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) mode.
Radar
The Captor-M mechanically scanned radar is a best-in-class radar, offering an extensive suite
of modes to meet customers’ operational requirements, as well as providing a very
competitive field of regard.
Captor-E is the future primary sensor on Eurofighter Typhoon and has a full suite of Air-to-
Air and Air-to-Surface modes. The capacious front fuselage of the Eurofighter Typhoon
allows the installation of Captor-E’s optimised array whose Field of Regard is some 50 per
cent wider than traditional fixed plate systems.
This wide field of regard offers significant benefits in both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface
engagements and given the large power and aperture available provides the pilot with much
enhanced angular coverage compared to fixed plate systems.
Air-to-Air Features
Search Modes - Range While Search (RWS), Velocity Search (VS) and multiple target
Track While Scan (TWS)
Lock-Follow Modes, which are tailored for long range tracking and short range
tracking for use in visual identification or gun attacks
Air Combat Acquisition Modes allowing a choice of boresight, vertical scan HUD
field of view or slaved acquisition
Air-to-Surface Features
Search Modes - Ground Map, High Resolution Map, Ground Moving Target
Identification and Sea Surface Search and Track While Scan
Track Modes - Fixed Target Track and Moving Target Track
Air-to-Surface Ranging
Go to the top
The Cockpit
Throughout the design of the Eurofighter Typhoon, the needs of the single seat pilot have
been paramount. This has meant high levels of attention to the control and information
interfaces throughout the unique glass cockpit, from the head-up, head-down and head-out
systems to all-round vision. High workload situations were analysed to establish information
priorities and automate tasks.
The advanced cockpit design and layout is based on an extensive series of formal assessments
in a rapid prototype facility, undertaken by operational pilots from air forces flying the
Eurofighter Typhoon. Using and upgrading the advanced digital technology not only
enhances operation and survivability, but also simplifies aircraft maintenance.
Other features such as Direct Voice Input (DVI) and Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS)
control functions have been implemented on the Eurofighter Typhoon to drastically reduce
the pilot’s workload. Voice + Throttle And Stick (VTAS) enables single pilot operations even
in the most demanding Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface and swing-role missions.
The Eurofighter Typhoon’s wide angle head up display (HUD) provides the pilot with stable,
accurate, high integrity, low latency eyes-out guidance in a compact package. The fully digital
HUD offers high performance that is compatible with night vision and laser protection
goggles.
Three full colour multi-function head down displays (MHDD) are used for the overall tactical
situation, presenting the attack situation, attack formats, map displays and air traffic
procedures, in addition to system status and checklists.
The helmet is composed of an outer helmet, inner helmet, optics blast/display visor, oxygen
mask, night vision enhancement camera and head position tracking system.
Navigation sensors
The latest sensor technology supports automated and inherently covert operation down to
100ft. Eurofighter Typhoon’s navigation aids include a global positioning system (GPS) for
full digital interface with individual satellite tracking channels and improved anti-jam
capabilities. The package also includes an inertial navigation system with GPS. In addition,
the navigation system features integrated lateral cueing and vertical commands, ensuring safe
manoeuvre with 3D situational awareness.
Flight Control
The flight control system (FCS) is a full authority and quadruplex digital system which allows
carefree handling and manoeuvring in all situations. Its intuitive operation is designed to
enable the pilot to concentrate on the tactical tasks and to fly the aircraft 'head-up' in
combination with the HOTAS (Hand-on-Throttle-and-Stick) concept applied to cockpit
design. Automated Emergency recovery features have also been embodied in the system
design to ensure maximum safety of operation.
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)
The MIDS high capacity digital information distribution system allows secure exchange of
real-time data between a wide variety of users, including all the components of a tactical air
force and, where appropriate, land and naval forces.
Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS)
The DASS suite comprises wingtip Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Counter
Measures pods (ESM/ECM), missile warners, chaff and flare dispenser and an optional laser
warner.
Upgrades in computing power will support continuous protection from future threats, to
enhance Eurofighter Typhoon’s survivability and greatly increase overall mission
effectiveness.
” The Laser Designator Pod”(LDP) asigura locatia precisa a tintelor si ghidarea armelor de tip
Aer-Aer catre tinta.
Eurofighter Typhoon will see the constant integration of new, smart weapons in accordance
with the demands of current and future customers.
Storm Shadow, Taurus, Small Diametre Bombs, Brimstone, Anti-Shipping Missiles are just
some of the upgrades planned.
Eurofighter Typhoon can remain on task for long periods of time with large, flexible weapons
loads including METEOR, AMRAAM, ASRAAM or IRIS-T
Eurofighter Typhoon can carry a vast range of Air-to-Surface weapons, including the new Storm
Shadow conventionally armed stand-off missile, the Brimstone anti-armour weapon and future
Precision Guided Weapons
A fully equipped pilot before a flight
Ejection Seat
The Mk 16A ejection seat on the Eurofighter Typhoon is 30% lighter than equivalent ejection
seats. This is achieved by combining the twin ejection gun outer cylinder tubes as both the
propulsion system and the seat’s primary structure. The narrow head box also contributes to
Eurofighter Typhoon’s excellent rear vision.
The seat integrates an on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS) and communication
systems. The simplified combined harness allows unassisted strap-in, and the passive leg
restraint system avoids the need for the pilot to wear restraining garters. A second generation
electronic sequencer is also incorporated. Reliability and maintainability are key elements of
the design, with full access to in-cockpit components.
Cockpit Access
A pilot entering the
Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit
Normal access to the cockpit is through either a telescopic integral ladder or an external
version. The integral ladder is stowed in the port side of the fuselage below the cockpit.
Go to the top
Fuel System
Fuel system - Under wing tanks
Throughout the aircraft flexible couplings connect the fuel pipework built into the three main
fuselage sections and wings. These provide a simple method to connect the fuel tanks, which
all have fuel-flow proportioners to maintain the centre of gravity alongside relief valves to
maintain air and fuel pressures. The intelligent computer-controlled fuel system ensures long-
range, flexibility and safety.
Featuresof the aircraft
Max speed
mach 2.0
Thrust
Max altitude
Above 55,000 ft
Length
15.96 m
Span
10.95 m