BAE Systems has received $2.6m funding from the UK Ministry of Defence to research the possibility of integrating a common weapon launcher for Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat fighter aircraft.
This project will see efforts to develop a launcher that is capable of carrying multiple weapons and weapon types on one aircraft attachment point.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataTyphoon Product Development and Future Capability director Andy Eddleston said: "Developing a common weapon launcher solution could significantly enhance Typhoon’s ability to deliver increased weapons persistence and effects.
"Each launcher could be capable of carrying up to three weapons, providing a great deal of flexibility and persistence for the operator."
For this project, BAE will work with weapons manufacturers such as MBDA and Raytheon UK.
The success of this research will mark the latest development in a programme that aimed to ensure that Typhoon continues to deliver world-leading capability for the armed forces, the company stated.
The common weapon launcher would be capable of carrying weapons, such as the dual mode Brimstone 2 missile and the Paveway IV precision guided bomb.
In January, Spanish company Indra secured a €90m contract to develop the new radar system Captor-E for Typhoon.
The company is a member of the Euroradar consortium. It will support the development of Captor E-Scan active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for integration into Typhoon.
Introduced in 2003, the Typhoon is manufactured by a consortium of three companies Alenia Aermacchi, Airbus Group and BAE.
These companies are manufacturing the aircraft through their joint holding company Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug.
In November 2014, working on behalf of the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy, the Nato Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) signed a €1bn contract with the Eurofighter consortium for Captor E-Scan radar production.
Image: The common weapon launcher would able to carry weapons such as the dual mode Brimstone 2 missile and the Paveway IV precision guided bomb. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems PLC.
