Typhoon negotiations
 

Third tranche of Eurofighter to be split
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The final order of Eurofighter Typhoons is almost certain to be halved.

Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain have been in discussions for several weeks to reduce the order due to the tightening of government finances and different spending priorities for the defence ministries.

While all 236 planes will be ordered, the third tranche is expected to be cut into two orders 3A and 3B with a final decision on the latter delayed for several years.

The sale of 72 Typhoons to Saudi Arabia will also be included as part of Britain's order of 88 planes. Other partners are expected to follow Britain's lead and sell some of their planes to interested countries, with Japan, Romania and Oman being the most obvious buyers.

A final agreement is expected by the end of the month. If there is no agreement there could be delays between Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 production which would add to the final bill.

Britain's final total in the RAF fleet will be drastically reduced. Not only are they planning to include some if not all of the orders from Saudi Arabia, but they are also negotiating the inclusion of some of the 24 remaining planes on order from Tranche 2. Britain could be left with as little as 136 Typhoons when all negotiations are completed.

Discussions are also underway to reduce life-cycle costs. Eurojet has been asked to consider engine modifications to reduce the through life costs of engine upkeep and maintenance. The consortium wants to cut through life costs by as much as 30 per cent.

http://www.defencemanagem...m/news_story.asp?id=8995

When was the 232 order actually requested? 10-15 years ago?? certainly pre SDR.

We were never going to get that many so its no surprise. If we end up getting circa 140 then that would still be reasonable given what it is replacing. About 60 Jags and 80 F3s (80 + 60 = Hmmmm)

There will be 2 FL Sqns at CGY and 3 at LEU each with circa 12 ?? jets

Plus OCU and OEU (+attrition....)

Plus it will stop the Army and Navy moaning and divert loads of cash to those much needed carriers.........:hmm:

232 called for in a world bearly recongisable right now and anyone who expected to see anywhere that near is probably expecting a pay-rise in the next few days:}

DS

Well at least with the money saved the MoD will be able to plump for the top quality awnings for the flight decks of their fine, White Elephant Lines cruise ships, as well as a cocktail bar that'll be the envy of the world.

Those Tornado GR4's are going to be awfully tired come retirement day, what with the proposed purchase of Tiffy's only being enough to fulfill the role currently 'gapped' since the Jag 'capability holiday' started.

Still, who needs an aircraft that can transit at high speed in order to carry out CAS in a large operational theatre with minimal local secure airbases to mount from?:ugh:

THS

"Still, who needs an aircraft that can transit at high speed in order to carry out CAS in a large operational theatre with minimal local secure airbases to mount from?"

Just remind me which aircraft is currently doing that......

Aircraft brought for the RAF?

Can't have much life left in them though.

"Still, who needs an aircraft that can transit at high speed in order to carry out CAS in a large operational theatre with minimal local secure airbases to mount from?"

Would the ordnance needed for the CAS mission hanging off the wing pylons not have an impact of cruise speed and fuel efficiency (hence radius of operation)?

Tourist,

"Just remind me which aircraft is currently doing that......"

Harrier GR9 flown by 4 Sqn Royal Air Force.

Next question?

So why try and scrap it then?

Next Answer..

methinks pr00ne does not recognise a rhetorical question when he sees one...

Methinks I rather do!

Roger.

Methinks however that THS needs a rethink. But hey, he isn't known for his balanced tri-service support...

This country is a f****** waste of time!
So probably 140 Typhoons max and about 66 JSF! Play time pretend numbers!

Ronny baby,


Don't believe everything you read!

Can I join in with recognising rhetorical questions as well please.
A rhetorical question would be a question where the poser asks, but does not expect an answer, nor should the listener/s give an answer (or not in any detail).

If the listener responds, they have either not understood the concept, or maybe have a negative or spoiling reason for answering. To answer a rhetorical question does not help the conversation carry on.*

* The shaky link with military aviation here, is that I often watch aircraft pass my house as I write my counselling course essays:}

Eurofighter News
A whole website devoted to the Typhoon. However, the "latest" news is dated 24 Oct 08

Yes it is behind isn't it both in news and the technical info, its an unofficial website which I'm still involved with.

The actual owner/webmaster doesn't have time for it now, and my times limited. but the forum is still hobbling along.

The official Eurofighter blogs here :- BLOG

BTW try the aircraft evaluator here Pick a winner

Cheers