Eurofighter Typhoon: Arguably the Best 4.5 Generation Multirole Fighter Aircraft

Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the most widely used fighter jets in Europe – and can hold its own with an F-22 Raptor.
Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and it has been used extensively in combat operations over the past decade.

It is a reliable and highly combat-proven aircraft, and although it’s not as famous as an F-22, it has excellent features that make it one of today’s best fighter jets.

What’s so impressive about the Eurofighter?

2 ASOS supports German Eurofighter
2 ASOS supports German Eurofighter by Gertrud Zach. Public Domain.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft that can be armed with various weapons. It has a top speed of Mach 2, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world.

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In addition, this fighter jet has been in service with the air forces of several countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Oman. It was developed as a joint venture by three aerospace companies: Leonardo, Airbus Group, and BAE Systems.

It has been widely adopted because of its maneuverability and has been deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria, among other conflicts.

The Typhoon production is ongoing and is expected to continue until 2023. So, over the next decade, Eurofighter Typhoons will remain the backbone of European air power until sixth-generation aircraft start to take over the European skies.

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The Eurofighter Typhoon vs F-22 Raptor

F-22 in Europe
F-22 in Europe by Matthew Plew. Public Domain.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is often compared to the F-22 Raptor, another top-of-the-line fighter jet.

Both aircraft are high-speed and maneuverable. However, there are some critical differences between the two jets.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine jet, while the F-22 Raptor has just one engine. This gives the Eurofighter Typhoon a significant advantage in terms of range and payload capacity. Additionally, the Eurofighter Typhoon can be armed with a wider variety of weapons than the F-22 Raptor.

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But, the Raptor is a bit faster as it reaches Mach 2.25 and the Typhoon Mach 2. The Raptor also has stealth capabilities, while the Eurofighter does not.

So, which fighter jet is better? It’s hard to say.

Both aircraft are incredibly advanced and capable of handling any mission they’re given. Ultimately, it comes down to what each air force needs and what they can afford.

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How technologically advanced is the Eurofighter Typhoon?

The Eurofighter Typhoon is definitely one of the most advanced fighters in service today. The aircraft is highly maneuverable and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.

It is equipped with various sensors and weapons, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles. The Typhoon also can carry nuclear weapons, and the aircraft is constantly being upgraded with new technology.

Moreover, the Eurofighter Typhoon’s cockpit is designed to be highly ergonomic and comfortable for the pilot. All of the aircraft’s controls are within easy reach, and all of the instruments are clearly visible.

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Eurofighter Typhoon specs

German Eurofighters gas and go at Selfridge
German Eurofighters gas and go at Selfridge by Munnaf Joarder. Public Domain.

  • Unit cost: US$90 Million – US$130 million
  • First flight: 1994
  • Status: In service since 2003
  • Primary users: UK, Germany, Italy, Spain
  • Production: since 1994
  • Number built: Around 571
  • Crew: 1 or 2
  •  Length: 15.96 meters (52 feet 4 inches)
  • Wingspan: 10.95 meters (35 feet 11 inches)
  • Height: 5.28 meters (17 feet 4 inches)
  • Empty weight: 11,000 kilograms (24,251 pounds)
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 23,500 kilograms (51,809 pounds)
  • Fuel capacity: 6,215 liters (1,642 gallons)
  • Maximum speed: 2,125 km/h (1,320 mph, Mach 2.0)
  • Range: 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles)
  • Service ceiling: 19,812 meters (65,000 feet)

The Typhoon is equipped with various armaments that allow it to perform a wide range of missions.

For example, apart from its 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon, the Typhoon can be armed with air-to-air missiles such as AIM-120 AMRAAM and MBDA Meteor.

Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon by Alan Wilson. Licensed under CC by 2.0

In addition, the Typhoon can be equipped with a variety of bombs and other munitions such as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, and 500-lb Paveway IV.

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The Eurofighter is a top-notch aircraft with the best European military power technology

The Typhoon Eurofighter has comparable capabilities to the best U.S. fighter aircraft and can carry multiple weapons to defend the European space from any threat.

Fortunately, this aircraft hasn’t had to be deployed in compromising war situations but is always on the lookout to defend European territory.


Featured image credit: Typhoon by Kyle Talbot. Public Domain.

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