A Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft has completed the successful test-firing of two Meteor air-to-air missiles simultaneously, BAE Systems announced on Wednesday.
The test confirmed the Typhoon would be able to use a data link to target multiple enemy aircraft at once. The successful launches, the sixth in a series of tests that started last year, occurred over the Britain's Hebrides range.
"This is another major milestone on the Meteor program and the first successful test of a dual firing," Andy Flynn, Eurofighter delivery director for BAE Systems U.K., said in a press release. "Meteor brings to Eurofighter Typhoon an unparalleled air-to-air engagement capability and this successful trial — following on from a series of firings last year — is further evidence of how the Eurofighter partner companies are working together to deliver major enhancements to Typhoon's multi-role capabilities."
The Eurofighter Typhoon is an advanced multi-role fighter that has been in service since 2003. It was developed by the Future European Aircraft program as a consortium between the Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.
Designed primarily as an air-superiority air frame, later models have been modified to improve its ground attack capability.
The Meteor radar-guided missile is an advanced design with a range of over 62 miles and a ramjet propulsion system. Designed for launch in volleys against multiple targets and to evade jamming, it is expected to arm exported F-35 Lightning II's, in addition to the Eurofighter Typhoon, in several partner countries.
The tests are a joint operation between BAE Systems, Eurofighter GmbH, MBDA and the Britain's Ministry of Defense.
Second Boeing T-X trainer aircraft has successful test flight
The test flight of Boeing's second T-X trainer aircraft, in a partnership with Saab, took place on April 24th. The plane is marketed as a platform for advanced pilot training, with the US Air Force considered its primary customer.
"The jet handled exactly like the first aircraft and the simulator, meeting all expectations," Boeing Test Pilot for Air Force Programs Matt Giese said in a p … read more
