IPA7 during the trials. Photographer: Andreas Zeitler © Airbus Group Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed flight-tes...
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| IPA7 during the trials. Photographer: Andreas Zeitler © Airbus Group |
The Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) is part of a wider Eurofighter Enhanced Manoeuvrability (EFEM) program entails primarily the addition of fuselage strakes and leading-edge root extensions, which increase the maximum lift created by the wing by 25% - resulting in an increased turn rate, tighter turning radius, and improved nose-pointing ability at low speed – all critical fighter capabilities in air-to-air combat.
The upgrade enabled angle of attack values around 45% greater than on the standard aircraft, and roll rates up to 100% higher, all leading to increased agility. The handling qualities appeared to be markedly improved, providing more manoeuvrability, agility and precision while performing tasks representative of in-service operations. And it is extremely interesting to consider the potential benefits in the air-to-surface configuration thanks to the increased variety and flexibility of stores that can be carried.
The flight trials followed some five years of studies. Eurofighter test pilots, joined in the latter stages by operational pilots from Germany, Italy and the UK, completed 36 sorties from Manching, Germany on the IPA7 Instrumented Production Aircraft.
Thw swing-role Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft has been ordered by seven nations including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies: Finmeccanica - Alenia Aermacchi, BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany and Spain.
Since delivery of the first Eurofighter Typhoon to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom at the end of 2003, a total of 427 aircraft have been delivered to six nations and over 274,000 flying hours have been achieved.
