Draken55 wrote,
a Tornado was needed to designate the target
Is that a true account of events? It is just Sharkey reading between the lines and spinning the story? Typhoon can self designate. I've noted Litening pods regularly being carried at RAF Coningsby, and not just on practice/test weapons drops.
Photos: Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon FGR4 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
Photos: Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon FGR4 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
Photos: Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon FGR4 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
Photos: Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon FGR4 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
The buddy-buddy designation (Typhoon) was also exhibited in the US during the work up. Note coded aircraft 'DH' carrying Paveway with no Litening pod fitted? The other aircraft is carrying the pod.
http://www.xisquadron.co.uk/News/AFM...ngsofSwing.pdf
TJ