The first flight of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar being developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft will take place in the first quarter of 2014, with the four partner nations expected to sign a production contract shortly after, an industry official said.
The inclusion of an AESA capability for the Eurofighter Typhoon is seen as critical if the aircraft is to capture additional export markets, such as the United Arab Emirates. (BAE Systems)
Speaking in London on 4 June, Andrew Cowdery, Executive Director of Strategy at defence electronics firm Selex ES, said that radar and airframe integration work is currently ongoing on test aircraft IPA 5 at Warton ahead of the planned first flight early next year. Following this first flight milestone, he added, the Euroradar consortium led by Selex ES expects Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK to commit to funding the final stages of development and production.
China has expanded its defence exports across the Asia-Pacific region in recent years and entrenched its position to meet regional requirements for 'good enough' military equipment. Jon Grevatt reports
The inclusion of an AESA capability for the Eurofighter Typhoon is seen as critical if the aircraft is to capture additional export markets, such as the United Arab Emirates. (BAE Systems)
