An extremely agile, multi-role combat aircraft used in all the RAF's current operations.
The Typhoon FGR4 is a highly capable and agile combat aircraft used by the RAF. As a versatile fourth generation fighter, it can be deployed in a wide range of air operations including air policing, peacekeeping, and high-intensity conflict.
ROLE
The Typhoon FGR4 provides the RAF with a highly capable and agile multi-role fourth generation combat aircraft that is capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations. This includes air policing, peacekeeping support, and high intensity conflict. Initially deployed in an air-to-air role as the Typhoon F Mk2, the aircraft has evolved to fulfil a potent and precise multi-role capability as the FGR4.
The pilot can carry out different functions using a hands-on-throttle-and-stick system (HOTAS). Combined with an advanced cockpit and helmet integration system that protects and provides the pilot with communications, Typhoon is equipped for all aspects of air operations. The aircraft has conducted operations in Libya (Operation Ellamy), Iraq and Syria (Operation Shader), and taken part in air policing over the Baltic states and Romania (Operation Azotize and Biloxi respectively). Typhoon is committed to Quick Reaction Alert responses in the UK and the Falkland Islands, and saw its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Defensive Aids
Technical Specifications
Weapon Systems
Technical Specifications
Sensors
CAPABILITY
With its multi-role capability and variety of weapons, Typhoon is capable of engaging numerous types of targets. In air-to-air combat, it can employ the infrared Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), the 27mm Mauser gun, and for targets beyond visual range, the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and Meteor radar-guided missile.
These weapons, used alongside the Captor ECR 90 radar and the Typhoon's superior manoeuvrability make it a formidable aircraft. When conducted air-to-surface operations Typhoon can utilise the Paveway IV bomb guided by both GPS and lasers, the Brimstone 2 missile or the long-range Storm Shadow cruise missile. The Typhoon has also been enhanced with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a low-cost laser-guided rocket system used in counter-drone operations. In armed reconnaissance and close air support roles, the aircraft is normally armed with a Litening V pod, four Paveway IV bombs, six Brimstone 2 missiles, and a Mauser cannon.
Paveway IV offers tactical flexibility with cockpit-programmable impact angles and direction, and fuse delays that allow precise strikes on targets. The Mauser gun is suited to provide warning shots or strike targets such as light vehicles or 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.
