Air Superiority
Superiority of the highest order
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In the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, one capability need remains constant and above all others - Air Superiority. The speed and certainty by which Air Superiority can be established in a battle environment, will determine how quickly and safely other operational tasks can be met. Eurofighter Typhoon is to deliver Air Superiority of the highest order: It is extremely agile in order to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of supersonic Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat and supersonic Close In Combat (CIC).
Beyond Visual Range (BVR)
The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first hit. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria: Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors to be first to seek out the enemy. Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and manoeuvre capability , and a weapons suite with the operational "edge". Finally, the aerodynamic capability to stay in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary. Eurofighter Typhoon meets these needs in full.
A typical BVR engagement would involve the positive identification of targets over 70 miles away, using the CAPTOR Radar, and data link systems to automatically assess and prioritise the threat. Eurofighter Typhoon will then use the high excess power of the two EJ200 engines to accelerate to around Mach 1.8, to close in on its target and maximum energy to its active missiles on release. Eurofighter Typhoon will then utilise its high supersonic turn rate to escape from the threat zone, or re-attack if necessary. DASS counter-measures and exceptional agility would be used to deny any enemy the successful use of his weapons.
Close in Combat (CIC)
In CIC, Eurofighter Typhoon’s airframe and engine agility will be complimented by its systems agility. The aircraft has massive subsonic agility, with features such as the off-boresight HMSS (Helmet Mounted Symbology System) to enable heads-out and over-the-shoulder work, exceptional carefree handling, advanced VTAS (Voice Throttle And Stick) technology, and highly effective ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-o-Air Missile) and IRIS T (Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail) short range missiles, which are custom-built for close-in and off-boresight lethality. The advanced ''g''-protection system ensures that the pilot is fully conscious and mobile under the sustained 9G capability.
