MANCHING, Germany, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Enhancements to Eurofighter's Typhoon to improve the aircraft's air-ground weapons capability have been flight tested in Germany and Spain by Cassidian.
The testing of the first batch upgrades involved the use of two aircraft and was conducted with the cooperation of BAE Systems and Alenia Aermacchi, which with EADS -- Cassidian's parent company -- own the Eurofighter holding company.
According to Eurofighter, Phase 1 enhancements included addition of a laser designator pod for full smart-bomb integration, an up-to-date identification-friend-or-foe system, improved radios, and an air-to-surface helmet mounted sight system.
The enhancements covering the design, development, qualification and clearance of the first major upgrade are "a major milestone" in the development of the Typhoon, providing seamless air-to-ground integration to the weapon system and forming the baseline for further enhancements.
"The Phase 1 Enhancements will provide a significant leap in Eurofighter's operational capabilities," said Chris Worning, Cassidian's Eurofighter Project pilot. "Deploying multiple weapons with attack constraints simultaneously in all weather has never been easier."
Eurofighter said improvements have also been made to the Typhoon's air-to-air capabilities.
