The Eurofighter Typhoon is truly cosmopolitan. Designed and constructed by a consortium of companies under contract to the United Kingdom, Germany,Italy and Spain. The collective military requirements of the Partner Nations are the foundation of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile Air Superiority and Air-to-Surface, multi-role/swing-role weapon system.
Features of Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon
The twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon blends a potent mixture of capability, survivability, design and production values that rival any aircraft offered up in the West. The system features the latest in voice-controlled activation, digital computer processors, advanced fly-by-wire control and powerful afterburning turbojet engines to propel it well into the next decade.
The Typhoon features a host of tracking, targeting, avionics and weapons packages that offer up potent potentiality in any combat theater. Canard foreplanes add a level of agility.
In terms of stealth capability, the system was designed from the outset to produce only a small radar signature. Features include low frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS), passive sensors and supercruise capability.
Variants
The Eurofighter is produced in single-seat and twin-seat variants. The twin-seat variant is not used operationally, but only for training. The aircraft has been manufactured in three major standards; seven Development Aircraft (DA), seven production standard Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) for further system development and a continuing number of Series Production Aircraft. The production aircraft are now operational with the partner nation's air forces.
The Tranche 1 aircraft were produced from 2000 onwards. Aircraft capabilities are being increased incrementally, with each software upgrade resulting in a different standard, known as blocks.With the introduction of the Block 5 standard, the R2 retrofit programme began to bring all aircraft to that standard.
Product Life Cycle
The Chiefs of Air Staff of the four nations (Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom) agree on the revised European Common Staff Requirement-Development for the development of a new European fighter aircraft in January 1994. The first Eurofighter, DA1 makes its first flight from Manching, Germany in March 1994. The Defence Ministers of the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bonn , covering Production Investment and Production and Logistic Support in December 1997. Eurofighter GmbH and NETMA sign the Production Investment, Production and Support contracts for 620 Eurofighter aircraft for the air forces of the UK , Germany , Italy and Spain in January 1998. Maiden flights of the first four Series Production Aircraft (SPA) in the four Eurofighter Partner Nations - Germany , Italy , Spain and the United Kingdom in February 2003 . This event is a milestone for the Eurofighter Typhoon programme as it approaches Entry to Service. Delivery of Single Seaters started in December 2004, with Spanish & Italian Air Forces to receive the first aircrafts. Germany and UK will follow shortly.
Air combat can be broken into two broad categories: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Close In Combat (CIC).
Beyond VisualRange
Normally, engaging a target outside of about 15 miles would be considered a BVR fight. It can happen at much greater distances, but tactics and weapons will dictate the actual ranges at which the kill takes place. The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria. Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and manouevre capability (to be first to optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the aerodynamic capability to stay in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary.
The technology exists today for reliable, accurate, and effective BVR combat. Missile and radar electronics are robust and lethal. The real problem comes with tactics, command and control, and positive identification. The most difficult of these is obviously one of identification.
Close in Combat
Take them down fast and hard, no matter the odds. Superiority in a Close in Combat can depend on a pilot's experience and skill, and the agility of the fighter when flown at minimum air speeds approaching loss of control (causing a danger of stalling); the winner typically plays to the strengths of his own aircraft while forcing his adversary to fly at a design disadvantage. Close in Combats are generally contests fought at low airspeeds, while maintaining enough energy for violent acrobatic maneuvering, as pilots attempt to remain within air speeds with a maximum turn rate and minimum turn radius: the so-called "corner speed" that often lies between 300 and 400 Knots depending on the aircraft's design. Features like vertical scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, boresight scanning radar and (or) infrared detection system, helmet-mounted sight radar and (or) infrared detection system, missile seeker, Expanded field of view (EFOV) display, super maneuverability are required in an aircraft for this type of combat. A fighter can evade a missile by abrupt maximum-performance turns and employing countermeasures—such as Chaff or Flare —provided he can detect the missile via a Radar warning receiver (RWR) or visually.
Su-35 is an interim type between today’s Su-30MK in various configurations and a prospective fifth-generation fighter. The Su-35 is a 4++ generation aircraft employing technologies of the fifth generation. They make it superior to all other 4th generation fighters now under development worldwide. The Su-35 known as the "Super Flanker".
Features of Su-35 “Super Flanker”
The Su-35 is based on the Su-27 Flanker air-superiority fighter developed in the 1980's with the Su-35 representing a "more-capable" Su-27 and able to take on sorties in the multi-role, long-range mold. The inherent qualities of the Su-27 system as an air superiority fighter have been melded together with strike fighter capabilities to produce the more lethal Su-35.
Among these features are an integrated in-flight refueling probe, provisions for ECM pods, upgraded and more powerful engines, larger wings and forward and rear-facing Phazotron radar systems capable of tracking 24 targets up to 62 miles (100km) away over uneven terrain. An additional auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank has been added to the tail fins as well. The cockpit features updated color CRT and HUD displays and digital fly-by-wire featuring a quadruple redundant system capable of finding four different ways for the computer to achieve the pilots requested control action.
Variants
Su-35: Single-seat fighter.
Su-35UB: Two-seat fighter and trainer.Features taller vertical stabilizers and a forward fuselage similar to a Su-30.
Su-35BM: Single-seat fighter with upgraded avionics and various modifications to the airframe.
Product Life Cycle
The first experimental Su-35, completed in summer 2007 at Komsomolsk-na-Amure Aviation Production Association (KnAAPO) first appeared at Russia’s MAKS-2007 air show. The first flying prototype of Su-35 is undergoing ground tests. Its first flight took place on February 19, 2008. Following the first prototype, now on the assembly line of KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association) are a further two examples of Su-35. Those will join the tests this year. The production and delivery of Su-35s to customers are scheduled for 2010. They will continue with the emergence of a fifth-generation fighter on the market.
No fighter in the history of military aviation comes close to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter – a truly transformational weapon system that provides quantum leaps in survivability and lethality.
Features of F-35 Lightning II
·Brings stealth capability that is integrated throughout the aircraft with embedded antennas, aligned edges and special coatings and materials.
·Meets multiple service requirements with a single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter.
·Conducts air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions simultaneously with near impunity.
·Carries a comprehensive sensor package that integrates vast amounts of battle space information with allied forces in the air, on the ground, at sea or in space.
Variants:
The Lightning II will be featured in three principle designs, each maintaining external similarities but differing in dedicated roles. The F-35A model is the true Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) variant model, operating from runways in the traditional role. The F-35B is the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) derivative in the series, operating in the role most closely associated with the AV-8B Harrier II system. The F-35C model is a dedicated carrier-based (CV) model designed specifically for operations on aircraft carriers that require their systems to feature strengthened internal structures and landing gear and space-saving capabilities.
Requirement:
USAF F-35A air-to-ground strike aircraft, replacing F-16 and A-10, complementing F-22 (1763); USMC F-35B – STOVL strike fighter to replace F/A-18B/C and AV-8B (480); UK RN F-35C – STOVL strike fighter to replace Sea Harriers (60); US Navy F-35C – first-day-of-war strike fighter to replace F/A-18B/C and A-6, complementing the F/A-18E/F (480 aircraft).
Product Life Cycle:
In October 2001, an international team led by Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to build JSF. In April 2003, JSF completed a successful preliminary design review (PDR). The critical design review (CDR) for the F-35A was completed in February 2006, for the F-35B in October 2006 and for the F-35C in June 2007. The first flight of the CTOL F-35A took place on 15 December 2006. Low-rate initial production (LRIP) for the F-35A/B was approved in April 2007 with an order for two CTOL aircraft. An LRIP 2 contract for six CTOL aircraft was placed in July 2007. The STOVL F-35B was rolled out in December 2007 and made its first flight, a conventional take-off and landing, in June 2008. STOVL flights are to begin in early 2009. An LRIP contract for six F-35B STOVL aircraft was placed in July 2008.
The F-35C is scheduled for first flight in mid-2009. The F-35A fighter is expected to enter service in 2010, the F-35B in 2012.
The first flight of the F-35 powered by the GE Rolls-Royce F136 engine is scheduled for 2010 with first production engine deliveries in 2012. Critical design review was completed in February 2008.
By the end of 2006, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and the UK had signed the MoU for the F-35 Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) phase.
Norway and Turkey (requirement 100 F-35A) signed in January 2007. Denmark and Italy (requirement 131 F-35A and B) signed in February 2007. In May 2008, Israel requested the sale of 25 F-35A aircraft with 50 options.
Participating nations are to sign up to the initial operation test and evaluation (IOT&E) phase by the end of February 2009. In October 2008, Italy announced that it intended not to participate in the IOT&E.
The Lockheed Martin JSF team includes Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Pratt and Whitney and Rolls-Royce. Final assembly of the aircraft will take place at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant in Texas.
Major subassemblies will be produced by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems at El Segundo, California and BAE Systems at Samlesbury, Lancashire, England. BAE Systems is responsible for the design and integration of the aft fuselage, horizontal and vertical tails and the wing-fold mechanism for the CV variant, using experience from the Harrier STOVL programme. Terma of Denmark and Turkish Aerospace Industries of Turkey are supplying sub-assemblies for the centre fuselage.
Max Speed: 1,200mph (1,931kmh; 1,043kts)
MaxRange: 1,367miles (2,200km)
Rate-of-Climb: Classified
Service Ceiling: 50,000ft (15,240m; 9.5miles)
Powerplant:
Engine(s): 1 x Pratt & Whitney F135 F119-PW-100 turbofan generating 40,000lbs thrust with afterburn with General Electric GE F120 alternate core engine.
Armament Suite:
1 x GAU-12/U 25mm cannon (F-35A only)
Internal Bay Provision for: 6 x AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles OR 2 x 2,000lb JDAM bombs AND 2 x AIM-120C AMRAAM missile
External Provision: Four external hardpoints for up to 5,000lbs of stores.
AIM-120 AMRAAMs can be substituted with the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-132 ASRAAM systems.
Fifth-generation fighters are characterized by being designed from the start to operate in a network-centric combat environment, and to feature extremely low, all-aspect, multi-spectral signatures employing advanced materials and shaping techniques. They have multifunction Active Electronically Scanned Array radars with high-bandwidth, low-probability of intercept (LPI) data transmission capabilities. Infra-red Search and Track sensors are incorporated for air-to-air combat as well as for air-to-ground weapons delivery. These sensors, along with advanced avionics, glass cockpits, helmet-mounted sights, and improved secure, jamming-resistant LPI data links are highly integrated to provide multi-platform, multi-sensor data fusion for vastly improved situational awareness while easing the pilot's workload. Overall, the integration of all these elements is claimed to provide fifth-generation fighters with a "first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability".
The AESA radars in addition to its high resistance to ECM and LPI features, it enables the fighter to function as a sort of "mini-AWACS," providing high-gain electronic support measures and electronic warfare jamming functions.
Other technologies common to this latest generation of fighters includes integrated electronic warfare system (INEWS) technology, integrated communications, navigation, and identification (CNI) avionics technology, centralized "vehicle health monitoring" systems for ease of maintenance, fiber optics data transmission and stealth technology.
Maneuver performance remains important and is enhanced by thrust-vectoring, which also helps reduce takeoff and landing distances. Supercruise may or may not be featured; it permits flight at supersonic speeds without the use of the afterburner – a device that significantly increases IR signature when used in full military power.
A key attribute of fifth-generation fighters is very-low-observables stealth. Great care has been taken in designing its layout and internal structure to minimize RCS over a broad bandwidth of detection and tracking radar frequencies; furthermore, to maintain its VLO signature during combat operations, primary weapons are carried in internal weapon bays that are only briefly opened to permit weapon launch. Furthermore, stealth technology has advanced to the point where it can be employed without a tradeoff with aerodynamics performance.
Previous generation stealth aircraft, such as the B-2 Spirit and F-117 Nighthawk, lacked LPI radars and LPI radio networks and so were limited to attacking ground targets because engaging other aircraft would have them revealed.
4.5th generation jet fighters
The primary characteristics of this sub-generation are the application of advanced digital avionics and aerospace materials, modest signature reduction (primarily RF "stealth"), and highly integrated systems and weapons. These fighters have been designed to operate in a “network centric” battlefield environment and are principally multirole aircraft. Key weapons technologies introduced include beyond-visual-range (BVR) AAMs; GPS-guided weapons, solid state phase-array radars; helmet-mounted sights; and improved secure, jamming-resistant datalinks. Thrust vectoring to further improve transient maneuvering capabilities have also been adopted by many 4.5th generation fighters, and uprated powerplants have enabled some designs to achieve a degree of “supercruise” ability. Stealth characteristics are focused primarily on frontal-aspect radar cross section (RCS) signature-reduction techniques including radar absorbent materials (RAM), L-O coatings and limited shaping techniques.
Fourth-generation jet fighter
The main features of this generation of aircrafts are capability to perform "fast transients" – quick changes in speed, altitude, and direction – as opposed to rely chiefly on high speeds alone, “relaxed static stability” made possible by introduction of the "fly-by-wire" (FBW) flight control system (FLCS), which in turn was enabled by advances in computers and system integration techniques. Analog avionics, required to enable FBW operations, Full Authority Digital Engine Controls to electronically manage powerplant performance, pulse-Doppler fire-control radars, head-up displays (HUD),”hands on throttle-and-stick” (HOTAS) controls, and multi-function displays (MFD). Infrared search and track (IRST) sensors became widespread for air-to-ground weapons delivery, and appeared for air-to-air combat as well. "All-aspect" IR AAM are standard air superiority weapons, which permitted engagement of enemy aircraft from any angle.
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft primarily for air-to-air combat with other, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets by dropping bombs. Fighters are small, fast, and maneuverable.
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, primarily by dropping bombs on them.
Ground-attack aircraft
A ground attack aircraft is a military aircraft designed to attack targets on the ground and generally deployed as a close air support for ground forces. The proximity to friendly forces requires precision strikes from this aircraft that is not possible with typical bomber aircraft. The resultant proximity to enemy targets also require aircraft that is more robust than other types of military aircraft.
A strike fighter also known as fighter bomber is a fighter aircraft for attacking surface targets, including ships. It differs from a ground-attack aircraft in that the aircraft remains a capable fighter. Strike fighters can attack targets unaided, while remaining maneuverable and well-equipped enough to defend themselves. A strike fighter is differentiated from a multi role fighter in that the multi role fighter can equally perform both aerial combat and ground attack, while the strike fighter has an emphasis on ground attack with a minor role of air combat.
A multirole (or multi-role) combat aircraft is an aircraft that can be used as both a fighter and a ground attack aircraft. They are lighter and less powerful than air superiority aircrafts.
Air superiority fighter
An air superiority fighter is a fighter aircraft that can enter and seize control of enemy airspace. Air superiority fighter is usually more expensive and procured in lesser numbers than multi-role fighter. It is lighter, smaller, and more agile than an interceptor.
Interceptor aircraft
An interceptor aircraft (or simply interceptor) is a fighter aircraft designed specifically to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, particularly bombers. It usually relys on great speed. They have become less important due to shifting of strategic bombing role to ICBMs.
For more information on type of military aircrafts and its evolution please visit http://www.bookrags.com and www.wikipdia.org
