RAF Operational Evaluation Imminent
A Eurofighter TYPHOON has successfully completed a simultaneous firing of two MBDA METEOR beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, with the support of BAE Systems, Eurofighter, MBDA, and the UK‘s Ministry of Defence (MoD), as part of a major programme of work to integrate the weapon on to the aircraft and add additional capability, ensuring it is ready to meet future threats.
The trial was used to test successful engagement of targets and the simultaneous two-way data link between two missiles and the aircraft. The data gathered follows a series of six successful METEOR firings conducted from TYPHOONs in 2016. The Royal Air Force (RAF) is scheduled to begin conducting operational evaluation and training with METEOR later thius year.
“This is another major milestone on the METEOR programme and the first successful test of a dual firing. 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,” Andy Flynn, Eurofighter Delivery Director for BAE Systems, commented.