An extremely agile, multi-role combat aircraft used in all the RAF's current operations.
The Typhoon FGR Mk4 is a highly capable and agile combat aircraft used by the RAF. As a versatile 4th generation fighter, it can be deployed in a wide range of air operations, including air policing, peacekeeping, and high-intensity conflict.
ROLE
The Typhoon F Mk2 was originally introduced for air-to-air combat but has evolved into the FGR Mk4 with powerful multi-role capabilities. The pilot can carry out many functions using a hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) system. Along with an advanced cockpit and the Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA), the aircraft is well-equipped for any air operation.
The Typhoon has been used in various missions, such as Op ELLAMY in Libya, Op SHADER in Iraq and Syria, Op AZOTIZE for Baltic Air Policing, and Op BILOXI for Southern Air Policing in Romania. It also plays a crucial role in Quick Reaction Alert missions in the UK and the Falkland Islands. The aircraft first saw combat during the 2011 intervention in Libya.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Defensive Aids
Technical Specifications
Weapon Systems
Technical Specifications
Sensors
CAPABILITY
The Typhoon FGR Mk4 is equipped with a range of weapons to handle various targets. For air-to-air combat, it uses the infrared-guided ASRAAM missile, the 27mm Mauser gun, and for longer distances, the AMRAAM and Meteor radar-guided missiles. These weapons, combined with the advanced Captor ECR 90 radar and the Typhoon’s excellent manoeuvrability, make it a powerful fighter.
For air-to-surface missions, the Typhoon can carry Paveway IV GPS and laser-guided bombs, Brimstone 2 missiles, or the long-range Storm Shadow cruise missile. In armed reconnaissance and close air support (CAS) missions, it typically carries a Litening V targeting pod, four Paveway IV bombs, six Brimstone 2 missiles, and the 27mm Mauser gun.
The Paveway IV bomb allows for precise targeting, with adjustable impact angles, directions, and fuse settings that can be controlled from the cockpit. The 27mm gun is effective for warning shots or targeting light vehicles and personnel.
Typhoon FGR4 Recognition
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History of the Typhoon FGR4
In 1979, France, West Germany, and the UK initiated the European Combat Fighter (ECF) study, with the RAF aiming to replace the Harrier and Jaguar aircraft. The RAF also considered the new fighter as a potential successor to the Phantom, broadening its role to include air-to-air capabilities. However, differing national requirements led to separate proposals from BAe, Dassault, and MBB, preventing a consensus.
At the same time, the Panavia nations, responsible for the Tornado, launched the Agile Combat Aircraft (ACA) program, which eventually faltered. Despite this, West Germany advocated for a five-nation consortium—comprising France, Italy, Spain, and the UK—to continue the development of a new fighter.
In 1983, the British government ordered two Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) demonstrators, but hoped-for support from Italy and West Germany did not materialise. BAe constructed a single EAP prototype, incorporating Tornado's RB.199 engines and advanced aerodynamics, which strongly resembled the eventual Eurofighter Typhoon.
While Italy, Spain, and the UK saw EAP as the basis for their future fighter, France favoured its Dassault ACX design, leading to the Rafale. In 1987, the remaining nations agreed on specifications for a new aircraft, formalised as the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA). A consortium, including BAe, MBB, Aeritalia, and CASA, was established to develop the EFA, with contracts awarded in 1988.
The project faced challenges, but the first EFA demonstrator flew in 1994. Over the next few years, several development aircraft from various countries followed. The Eurofighter, later named Typhoon, entered production in three stages or "Tranches," each with incremental improvements. In 1998, the aircraft was officially named the Typhoon in the UK, Tifone in Italy, and Tifón in Spain, marking the beginning of its operational legacy.
Capability Enhancement
Typhoon development received a significant boost from Project Centurion, which transferred key Tornado GR4 capabilities to the Typhoon before the Tornado’s retirement in March 2019. This included integrating Storm Shadow, Brimstone, and Meteor missiles, in addition to the already operational Paveway IV.
The Typhoon first saw combat in 2011 during Operation Ellamy over Libya and has played a key role in Operation Shader in Iraq and Syria since 2015. It also supports Baltic Air Policing under Operation Azotize, NATO air defence in the Black Sea, Romania, and Iceland, and performs Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties in the UK and Falkland Islands.
The Typhoon Force includes six frontline squadrons, the Operational Conversion Unit, the joint UK-Qatari 12 Squadron, and 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron under the Air & Space Warfare Centre.
