The latest enhancements for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet have been successfully tested by UK Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in flight trials conducted at BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business in Warton, Lancashire. The test is part of the test and evaluation phase of the Typhoon’s Phase 2 Enhancement (P2Ea). Testing will continue throughout 2016 with weapons integration tests also scheduled for this year.
The P2Ea package incorporates software and avionics improvements such as upgrades to the radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods. These enhancements will improve Typhoon’s targeting capabilities, increase threat awareness and pilot safety. P2Ea forms part of the full Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) package for the Typhoon. P2Ea is a stepping stone along the path of the RAF’s Project CENTURION designed to ensure a seamless transition between Typhoon and Tornado capabilities when Tornado goes out of service in 2019.
The full P2E upgrade for the RAF will include the integration of the MBDA Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. The next phase of enhancements, P3E, will bring the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile and MBDA Brimstone 2 close air support weapon into service on Typhoon for the UK. Both P2E and P3E will be delivered through Project CENTURION.
