Royal Air Force Typhoons now converted for multi-role use

The Royal Air Force (RAF) took delivery of its first two multi-role Typhoon aircraft on 8 August. The new multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) will become operational by the latter half of 2008.

Already in service for the last four years, the Typhoon has put in an outstandingly high performance as the RAF''s frontline fighter. Now, the new MRCA version will enhance both its air-to-air and air-to-surface roles.

The new air-to-surface capability provides the ability to mount all-weather autonomous precision ground attack missions. Specific weapon systems include the Rafael Lightening III Laser Designator Pod and Enhanced Paveway II dual-mode guided bombs. The latter is capable of homing in on targets using global positioning system (GPS) co-ordinates from Typhoon, or by homing in on laser radiation reflected from the target.

A planned retrofit programme is converting the previously delivered air-to-air capable Typhoons to the same multi-role standard. The first tranche purchase is of 55 planes. No decision have been taken yet as to where the Typhoons will be deployed