There is more than one way to skin a cat and the Typhoon can achieve air superiority by defeating hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat or by destroying their infrastructure with precision air-to-surface weapons. This development aircraft is carrying six Paveway II laser-guided bombs and a pair of Sidewinder missiles.

After many years of development, the Eurofighter Typhoon is now serving with the four partner nations of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Without an Indian order, Eurofighter's prospects look less bright.

Пока Eurofighter находится в производстве, текущие испытания производятся на семи самолетах, получивших обозначение IPA (Instrumented Production Aircraft). На них отрабатываются новые системы, вооружение и программное обеспечение. На снимке: двухместный IPA2, построенный "Alenia".

Taken at Grosseto in October 2008, TF-2000A MM55130/4-33 is a Block 5 aircraft seen taking off for a night training mission. This aircraft was the last of Tranche 1 delivered to the AMI on February 14, 2008.

Eurofighter IPA2 loaded with a Storm Shadow test article takes off from Warton for the first release of a Storm Shadow conventionally armed stand-off missile on November 19, 2015.

27 ноября 2013г. в центре летных испытаний компании Alenia Aermacchi на авиабазе Дечимоманну в Сардинии (Италия) начались испытания по программе интеграции ракеты Storm Shadow класса «воздух-земля» с истребителем Eurofighter Typhoon. Ракета Storm Shadow находится на вооружении самолетов «Торнадо» ВВС Италии и Великобритании. Она предназначена для поражения высокозащищенных целей на дальностях свыше 250 км. Масса ракеты - около 1300 кг, длина - чуть более 5 м
Test flights to integrate the MBDA Storm Shadow long-range stand-off missile on the Eurofighter Typhoon began in Italy on November 27, 2013. The initial sortie was conducted by Alenia Aermacchi using Instrumented Production Aircraft 2 (MMX-614) from Decimomannu in Sardinia and included flutter tests and an assessment of the interface between the aircraft and the weapon. Storm Shadow is due to become operational on the Typhoon from 2015, when Phase 2 Enhancements are integrated with the aircraft.

Typhoon FGR4 ZJ938 (BS031) is used by BAE Systems as a test aircraft for weapon integration with the fleet code IPA 6. The jet is seen at Warton in January 2016 loaded with a Meteor missile on station 7. Eurofighter Instrumented Production Aircraft 2 is in the back ground loaded with a Storm Shadow test article. Both jets are loaded with pods housing high-speed cameras and telemetry instrumentation used to record weapon separation events.

This is the most colourful Storm Shadow missile we are ever likely to see; it’s a test vehicle rather than an operational missile. The yellow section of the missile's fuselage is painted yellow and contains black tracking marks which are used is separation and launch testing.

A flight-test engineer uses a wireless Leica T-Probe on a Storm Shadow test article during flight preparation testing.

This sequence of frames shows a Storm Shadow test article during release from station 10 of a Typhoon test aircraft. Note the extension of the aft ventral fins, and that the missile’s wings remain folded while the missile falls clear of the launch aircraft.

A KC-767A refuelling two 4° Stormo TF-2000S from the Smiths Aerospace wing pods.

KC-767A MM.62228/14-03 transfers fuel to F-35A Lightning II MM.7332/32-01 during one of seven air refuelling brackets undertaken during 11 hours of flying between Cameri Air Base, Italy and Naval Air Station Patuxent River on February 5, 2016.

In-flight refuelling tests conducted by the RSV using the first Italian KC-130J ('46-41') and EF2000 IPA2 were completed in November 2008.

Of the 15 two-seat trainers that the Italian Air Force has indicated it requires, eight have been delivered to date. XX" Gruppo is the operational conversion unit for the type and thus makes regular use of this variant.

The first Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) Eurofighter made its maiden flight from Caselle Airport in Turin on April 5, 2002. IPA 2 was flown for 25min by Alenia Aeronautica’s Chief Test Pilot, Com.te Maurizio Cheli.

First of the IPA aircraft to fly was Italian example MM-X614/IPA2 (‘PT002’), a two-seat variant assembled by Alenia at its Turin/Caselle plant. It is seen here getting airborne from Caselle on April 5, 2002, for its first flight, one of three sorties made before the end of that day. Air-to-surface weapon and sensor fusion trials will be the primary tasks for this aircraft.

Серийный Eurofighter в воздухе. Февраль 2003г.: в 2003 году совместная программа четырех стран по созданию истребителя Eurofighter EF2000 достигла важного результата - в Германии, Италии, Испании и Англии взлетели первые серийные машины. Все четыре самолета были двухместными. Первой 13 февраля взлетела немецкая машина с кодом GT001/98+31. Днем позже впервые взлетел самолет итальянской сборки (IT001/MM5092, фото) и самолет, собранный в Великобритании (BT001/ZJ800). 17 февраля впервые взлетела испанская машина (ST001/CE.16-01). 30 июня EF2000 получил сертификат летной годности, что позволило приступить к серийным поставкам всем четырем европейским заказчикам. К концу года Австрия - первый экспортный покупатель самолета - подтвердила намерение приобрести эти машины. 22 августа вступил в силу контракт с Австрией на закупку 18 истребителей EF2000.

Three pilots and this Typhoon T3 from 17(R)Squadron worked alongside XI Squadron at Davis-Monthan and Nellis AFBs to pass on the knowledge and experience they had gleaned from the Typhoon trials that had been taking place at NAWS China Lake.

Typhoon ZJ699 lifts off on December 4, 2012, carrying a live MBDA Meteor missile. The modified fuel tanks under the wings contain cameras to record the weapon's separation from the aircraft.

Typhoon ZJ699 (IPA1) is seen on April 27, 2011 departing from BAE Systems airfield at Warton, Lancashire, carrying a pair of MBDA Meteor beyond visible range air-to-air missiles. The sortie is believed to be the first test firing of the Meteor from the aircraft. One of the missiles was fired over the range at Aberporth on the southern edge of Cardigan Bay in West Wales, while the other remained with the aircraft. The trial took place one year after the initial launches were made from Tornado F3 test aircraft operating from RAF Lossiemouth, Morayshire. The active radar guide Meteor is due to enter RAF service in 2015.

14 марта 1997г. Свой первый полет осуществил прототип EF2000 DA.4 (ZH590) (на фотографии). В тот же день прощальный рейс совершил последний из оставшихся DH Comet, принадлежавший компании MoD (Перу).

An early twin-seat Eurofighter Typhoon T1. These are now being reduced to spares under the UK's Reduce to Produce (RTP) scheme.

Although optimised for beyond visual range air combat, Typhoon is also to have a variety air-to-ground weapons in its armoury. For example, this aircraft is carrying an impressive load of six 1,000lb GBU-16 laser-guided bombs, as well as two AIM-9 Sidewinders for self-defence.

В полете - четвертый и второй прототипы "Еврофайтера"
UK-built Eurofighter trainer DA4 (nearest), accompanied by the single-seat DA2 (1999)

Двухместный Typhoon внешне отличается от одноместного развитым гаргротом. На фотографии - два самолета T.Mk 1 из 29-й эскадрильи британских ВВС в одном строю со спаркой из 17-й эскадрильи.

TriStar KC1 ZD948 with an RAF Typhoon T3 plugged into the basket and a Tornado GR4 in formation.

The Mach Loop in Wales is a popular spot to catch UK aircraft performing low flying serials

Two-seater Typhoon ZK303/'AX’ BT017 at low-level in the Mach Loop in north Wales carrying two inert Paveway IVs.

Among the first RAF Typhoons to appear with a new code was Typhoon T3 ZJ814/814 of No.29 (R) Squadron, seen landing at its home base RAF Coningsby on March 15, 2017. It previously wore the code ‘BH’.

Typhoon T3 ZJ800/BC of 29 Squadron seen landing at RAF Coningsby on January 19, 2018; its final flight before being scrapped.

Panavia Tornado GR4A ZG773, Eurofighter Typhoon T3 ZK303/‘AX' and BAE Systems Hawk T2 ZK013/V prepare to take off from Warton, Lancashire, on September 9, 2014. The three aircraft conducted a missing man flypast as ‘Hoppy Flight' over the funeral of test pilot Paul ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins at Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. After serving in the RAF, Paul joined the then British Aerospace in 1985, becoming Chief Test Pilot at Warton from 1998. He retired from flight duty in 2005 and left BAE Systems in 2012. He passed away on August 31, 2014.

RAF Typhoons on the flight line at Al Dhafra AB.

Британский "Тайфун" и строй Су-30МКИ на авиабазе Калайкунда

The first British production Eurofighter has been ‘rolled out' at BAE Systems’ Warton facility. Seen on March 19, 2019, IPA I or production Typhoon number one (PT 001 on fin), was being prepared for engine running prior to a first fight expected in mid-April. The current seven development aircraft will he joined by five IPAs, the UK flying DA 2 & 4 and IPA / & 5. Two-seater IPA I will concentrate on integration of the Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS).

Eurofighter Typhoon IPA 1

Most recent of the Eurofighter Instrumented Production Aircraft to fly, two-seat IPA1/ZJ699 (‘PT001 ’), is seen here during its first flight from BAE Systems’ Warton airfield, Lancashire, on April 15, 2002. IPA1 will primarily be used for trials of the defensive aids sub-system.

Another view of IPA1, at a relatively high angle of attack, catching the last rays of the sun as the gathering gloom engulfs the barren landscape below during the aircraft's first flight from Warton on the evening of April 15, 2002.

Second IPA into the air was the first German example, two-seat IPA3/98 + 03 (‘PT003’), which flew from EADS Military Aircraft’s facility at Manching on April 8, 2002, as seen here. This aircraft also made two further flights later the same day. IPA3 will be primarily used for air-to-surface weapons integration.

German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon 30+42 (GT015) departs from Manching on March 20, 2008 to commence its delivery flight. This was the final aircraft to be completed under the Tranche 1 order.

Еврофайтер EF-2000 «Тайфун Т» ВВС Германии

A-310 MRTT. Дозаправка истребителей Еврофайтер "Тайфун"

The wing has a handful of twin-seat Eurofighters, including 30+35, identifiable as a Tranche 1 aircraft by the lack of a rear Missile Approach Warning System.

Апрель 2002г.: в течение 10 дней в Великобритании, Италии и Германии поднялись в воздух три первых серийных двухместных Eurofighter Typhoon. Первой с аэродрома Турин-Кассель взлетела вторая, итальянская, серийная машина (IPA 2/PT002). Первый немецкий серийный истребитель, IPA 3/PT003 (фото), поднялся в воздух 8 апреля в Манчинге. А первый серийный самолет британской постройки (IPA 1/PT001) поднялся в воздух в Уортоне 14 апреля.

Spanish two-seat Eurofighter DA6 wearing its `experimental fighter-trainer' designation XCE.16 on the fin (1999)

Spanish Development Aircraft DA6/XCE.16-01, the second two-seat aircraft, has been deployed away from Getafe to Moron air base since the beginning of March 2002, with up to 40 trials flights planned from there before the aircraft returns home. DA6 is tasked with performance (including ‘carefree’ handling), MIDS integration and helmet integration trials.

An F-5M from the Ala 23 returns to Talavera following an air-to-air mission with a Eurofighter from Ala 11 at Moron.

An Italian KC-767A in formation with three Ala 11 Typhoons over the United States on the way to Nellis.

Spanish Development Aircraft DA6/XCE.16-01 seen over rugged mountainous Spanish terrain. DA6 is one of two twin-seat development aircraft in the flight test programme, which now also boasts a further three two-seat IPA aircraft.

Eurofighter Typhoons ZK089/321 and ZK090/322 line up at the end of the runway at Warton, Lancashire on February 6, 2013, about to make their first flights in Saudi colours.

Eurofighter Typhoon T3s 317/ZK085 (CT007) and 318/ZK086 (CT008) line up on the runway at Warton, Lancashire, at the start of their delivery flight to Taif on June 27, 2013. The aircraft are the second pair of two-seaters for the Royal Saudi Air Force to be delivered this year. They first flew on February 12 and March 14, respectively.

On September 5, 2013 the fifth (ZK087/319) and sixth (ZK088/320) Eurofighter Typhoon two-seaters of the second batch for the Royal Saudi Air Force departed Warton, Lancashire. Both will be assigned to 3 Squadron based at Taif-King Fahd Air Base. The initial pair of the follow-on order for 48 Typhoons (36 single- and 12 two-seaters) was delivered on April 24 and another on June 27, all four being operational trainers. Initial flights by ZK087 and ZK088 were made at Warton on May 14 and June 19 respectively.

Еврофайтер «Тайфун» T.3

The Royal Air Force of Oman took delivery of 12 Tranche 3 Typhoons configured to the P3Eb software in 2017/18, with the Hawk Mk 166s delivered in 2017 being used for advanced jet training

The Eurofighter deal is a landmark programme for Leonardo and Kuwait, which will acquire 28 Tranche 3A jets

The Kuwaiti Eurofighters will be the most advanced of their type and will feature upgraded sensors, including radar

Аэродинамический тормоз большой площади поднимается и опускается мощным гидроцилиндром. Угол отклонения тормоза в полете автоматически вычисляется бортовой системой управления полетом.

Двухместный вариант самолета снабжен большим гаргротом, в который плавно переходит фонарь кабины. В гаргроте находится отсек радиоэлектронного оборудования.

Eurofighter оборудован НСЦИ HMSS. Это очень сложная система, но у нее есть серьезные недостатки, такие как вопросы устойчивости, излишней массы и смещенного центра тяжести. Одна из проблем заключается в вибрации шлема.

Seen in production at BAE Systems' Samlesbury factory is the forward fuselage of the fourth two-seat aircraft for the RAF, BT004. For ease of access, the forward fuselages are laid on their sides whilst being fitted out at Samlesbury.

Seen during fuselage assembly last year at Warton is the first IPA aircraft, ‘PT001’, which is now flying as ZJ699. This view shows the front fuselage (built by BAE Systems at Samlesbury), centre fuselage (built by EADS in Germany) and rear fuselage (built by Alenia and BAE Systems) being mated-up in the automated alignment facility, which is accurate to a tolerance of 3mm.

This view from above of the first German IPA aircraft, ‘PT003’, under final assembly at Manching, clearly shows the elevated working platform surrounding the aircraft. Each country has adopted similar, but slightly differing methods of providing a safe and easy working environment around the aircraft on their respective final assembly lines.

With all major components mated up, work continues on the first Eurofighter Typhoon for the RAF, ‘BT001', on the final assembly line in Hangar 302 at Warton. Since this photograph was taken, system testing on the aircraft has commenced and first flight is anticipated around late August 2002 with a prospective handover to the RAF around the end of September.

The three fuselage sections of the first aircraft for delivery to the Spanish Air Force, ‘ST001’ (CE.16-02), are seen here in the automatic alignment facility at Getafe, which uses computer-controlled jacks integrated with laser tracker measurement equipment for accurate mating up. This aircraft is now structurally complete on the final assembly line and is expected to fly in October 2002.