New Typhoons fly into RAF Coningsby - Tuesday 21 October 2008

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The first of a new batch of second generation Typhoon combat aircraft arrived at RAF Coningsby today, where they were greeted by the new Defence Equipment and Support Minister Quentin Davies.

The two Tranche 2 aircraft are the first of 91 new Typhoon combat aircraft ordered four years ago. Delivered on time and to cost, they flew in from BAE Systems' Warton factory in Lancashire to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, where they will shortly be released for flight trials, and are expected to join front line UK-based air defence squadrons in January 2009.

Tranche 2 Typhoons have more powerful computers and a strengthened airframe to enable carriage of heavier weapons, which will enhance its capability in the ground-attack role. Following their arrival at RAF Coningsby, the aircraft will undergo final system checks and modifications before they are released for flight trials.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said:

"Typhoon is delivering a world-class capability to the RAF and is the cornerstone of the UK's air defence capabilities. Today's arrival of the second Tranche is an important milestone delivering to the RAF an aircraft with more powerful computer systems and the ability to carry heavier weapons - the next generation of Typhoon.

"Typhoon directly employs some 16,000 aerospace and engineering staff in some of the UK's leading companies. Militarily and industrially this programme is successfully delivering the capabilities the country needs."

The production of Typhoon Tranche 2 will maintain 16,000 direct jobs within the UK's defence industry through its principal contractors BAE Systems on its sites in Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire and Rolls Royce in Bristol. Other key suppliers include Selex Galileo in Edinburgh.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, said:

"Maintaining the flow of these advanced aircraft to front line RAF squadrons is very important. Typhoon has now been operational in the air defence role for over a year and recently achieved its multi-role capability. I am confident that forthcoming exercises and deployments will provide further demonstration of its qualities."

The RAF expects to take delivery of six, rising to 20, Typhoon aircraft every year for the next seven years under the Typhoon Tranche 2 contract.

Notes:

Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft entered service with the RAF in 2003. On 1 Jul 08 the aircraft was declared multi-role – able to carry out precision Ground Attack as well as Air Defence tasks.

Tranche 2 aircraft have more powerful computers and a strengthened airframe to enable carriage of heavier weapons, which will enhance its capability in the ground-attack role. Following their arrival at RAF Coningsby, the aircraft will undergo final system checks and modifications before they are released for flight trials. Tranche 2 Typhoon will be based at RAF Leuchars, in Fife from 2010.

Editor: MOD

Photographs: RAF.

Image 1: (Larger size) A 17 Squadron Typhoon (Stock image).

Image 2: (Larger size) Defence Equipment and Support Minister Quentin Davies (left) witnesses the arrival of the second generation Typhoons at RAF Coningsby.

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