RAF gets first multi-role Typhoons.

BAE Systems has delivered the first two Typhoon combat aircraft with multi-role capability to Royal Air Force Coningsby (No XI Squadron). Precision air-to-surface capability will be developed and implemented ahead of an operational capability that is planned for July 2008.

Both aircraft have air-to-air and initial air-to-ground capability. They are the first RAF aircraft to have been upgraded to what is known as Block 5 standard, enhancing the aircraft s handling and its systems--and adding new defensive and offensive capabilities.

The air-to-surface capability will include the Rafael Litening III Laser Designator Pod and Enhanced Paveway II dual-mode guided bombs. The proven Enhanced Paveway II bomb is capable of homing onto targets using global positioning system co-ordinates passed to it from Typhoon, or by homing in on Laser radiation reflected from the target.

Retrofit 2 will bring 115 aircraft from across Europe up to Block 5 standard. A further 25 Block 5 aircraft will be produced as part of the production programme.

The Block 5 standard gives Typhoon full air-to-air and initial air-to-ground capability with full carefree handling. The aircraft is cleared for the 9g envelope as intended, with additional features such as sensor fusion; full direct voice input; enhanced GPS; defensive aids subsystem countermeasures including automatic chaff and flare dispensers; radar air-to-surface modes including ground mapping; and initial Forward Looking Infra-Red.

The Block 5 Typhoon will be equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, plus laser-guided bombs. External fuel tanks are certified for supersonic flight, while air-to-air refuelling is cleared for all customer-specified tanker types.