MilTech: The Eurofighter partners decided to expand the range of capabilities of the Eurofighter. What systems are you working on exactly? Wolfgang Gammel: The industry partners (EPCs) and the four core nations (EPNs) are determined to further develop the range of capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon in a targeted manner. Our ambitious programme essentially includes: a new system architecture, which is central to improved data handling, a new digital cockpit, the electronic radar system (E-Scan), improvements to the fuselage and the communication and data link systems as well as a modernized self-protection system (the Defensive Aids Sub-Systems, or DASS). MilTech: The E-Scan radar is the most important component and is central to developments over the next several years. What are its advantages, compared to the mechanical CAPTOR M radar? Wolfgang Gammel: In contrast to a mechanical radar, the electronic radar has a larger field of regard, a longer range and higher reliability. In addition, the E-Scan radar allows the pilot to engage air and ground targets simultaneously. The new radar has over 1,000 small transmit and receive modules (TRM). The principle of an antenna with electronic beam steering is referred to as AESA [active electronically scanned array]. Since the new radar is the most important sensor on the aircraft, it could become a real game-changer. MilTech: Leonardo delivered the first two Typhoons to Kuwait last December 2021 and two more planes arrived at the end of March. With 28 aircraft on order, Kuwait is the launch customer for the E-Scan radar. Does the delivered radar have an Initial Operating Capability (IOC)? Wolfgang Gammel: Of course, the first aircraft do not yet have a Full Operating Capability (FOC). But the Captor-E ECRS Mk0 [ECRS – Eurofighter Common Radar System] for the Eurofighters that will be delivered to Kuwait and Qatar is already in series production. On the other hand, the other two versions (Captor-E ECRS Mk1 and Mk2) are still under development. One thing is for sure: at the end of the day, Kuwait will get from us the most advanced radar system currently in existence. MilTech: Will the 38 Eurofighters (Tranche 4) ordered by the German MoD as part of the Quadriga programme also be equipped with the E-Scan radar? When will the first aircraft with this radar be delivered to the German Air Force? Wolfgang Gammel: The first Eurofighters to Tranche 4 standard will be delivered to the Air Force from 2025 and will, of course, be equipped with the new E-Scan radar. This will give the Luftwaffe the most modern Eurofighters available on the market at the time. I am very grateful to the The German MoD in Berlin announced in mid-March that it will procure a total of 35 US-built F-35 combat aircraft and 15 stateof-the-art Eurofighters for the German Air Force. This means that a long-awaited and urgently-needed decision has been made for the successor to the ageing Tornado, which first flew in 1974. As international competition in the global fighter aircraft market intensifies, the Eurofighter partners in Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain are working flat out to advance the Eurofighter programme, to enhance the operational capabilities of the European fighter aircraft through a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) study, and to introduce further capability enhancements. Regular contributor to Mönch Group publications, Dr Theodor Benien, recently had the opportunity to talk to Wolfgang Gammel, appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Programmes at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH on 1 January, to gain an overview of the future development path for the Eurofighter Typhoon. MilTech: In your new role, you are responsible for all programmes intended to make the European combat aircraft even more efficient. What are the most important goals for you? Wolfgang Gammel: Our most important goal is to prepare the Eurofighter for the complex challenges of the future, in such a way that its performance and capabilities make it the most attractive aircraft on the world market, while at the same time remaining a central part of European airspace security and defence. I am convinced that the Eurofighter is already an excellent aircraft today, but we want to make it even better. That is why we are working, for example, on improving its interoperability, connectivity, survivability, the E-Scan radar, modern communication and data management systems, the High-Speed D ata Network (HSDN) and its electronic attack (EA) capability. These are very demanding tasks, and I am pleased to be able to make a personal contribution in my new role. Powerful Capabilities in Prospect for the Eurofighter Typhoon Interview with Eurofighter’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) Programmes, Wolfgang Gammel 24 · MT 3/2022 Feature (Photo: Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH)
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