Typhoon bombing capability increases

HALLBERGMOOS, Germany, April 13 (UPI) -- Eurofighter, headquartered in Germany, says the air-to-ground munition capabilities of its Typhoon jet have been enhanced.

Partner company Cassidian-Spain achieved the first EGBU-16 precision-guided munition avionic release in tests last week, it said.

The successful launch follows the first successful Paveway IV release carried out in February in Britain. The trials saw both bomb types being successfully released from Eurofighter aircraft as part of their functional integration into the aircraft's weapon system.

The EGBU-16 is the selected dual-mode, precision-guided munition for Germany, Spain and Italy. The Paveway IV precision-guided bomb is the choice Britain, the Eurofighter consortium said.

The Typhoon aircraft has been autonomously air-to-ground capable since 2008 when Britain's Royal Air Force successfully integrated the Paveway with the Litening III laser designation pod on to its Typhoon fleet.

The Eurofighter is a swing-role combat aircraft designed for the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the air forces of Spain, Italy, Germany and Britain, Typhoons are also being flown by Austria and Saudi Arabia.