Wed, Jul 11, 2007
Will Replace Tornado Fighters In Air Defense Role
The Eurofighter Typhoon, the Royal Air Force's newest and most
capable jet aircraft, is now on readiness to respond to any
aircraft acting suspiciously or intruding illegally into UK
airspace.
Aero-News learned this week Typhoon F2s took on their first
operational duties on June 29, when they assumed responsibility for
the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) element of UK air defense at RAF
Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Over the next nine months, those planes
will progressively replace Tornado F3s, which have performed this
duty for many years.
The first operational unit is Number 3 (Fighter) Squadron, which
received its first Typhoon in March 2006, and is the lead squadron
for developing RAF Typhoon air defense operations.
QRA procedures entail aircraft being held at continuous ground
readiness, so that they can take off within minutes - without
pre-warning - to protect the skies over the UK.
"The Quick Reaction Alert provides a vital capability protecting
the UK's airspace," said Defense Minister Lord Drayson. "Typhoon is
the RAF's newest and most capable aircraft, and is now providing a
vital contribution to the security of the UK. As Minister for
Defence Equipment and Support I am very pleased that Typhoon gives
the RAF the next generation of capability which will remain a
world-leading aircraft as it continues to be developed and
exploited."
Chief of the Air Staff Sir Glenn Torpy added, "The RAF has an
established and well practised air defence capability and I am
delighted that Typhoon is now taking on these operational duties.
The Typhoon is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world and
gives, for the first time in many years, the RAF a world-beating
multi-role capability that is an essential part of the UK's
front-line."
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