BAE Systems assembling final Typhoon for Oman

WARTON, England, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- BAE Systems began its final assembly for the first Eurofighter Typhoon to be delivered to the Royal Air Force of Oman.

The assembly will begin with integrating the fuselage, wings and undercarriage using special automated alignment facilities. Other assembly stages are to include fitting the fin and foreplanes. BAE Systems Military Air & Information managing director Martin Taylor says the company is on track for its scheduled delivery.

"BAE Systems has a long-standing relationship with RAFO, through its operation of both the Jaguar fighter aircraft and an earlier variant of the BAE Systems Hawk, and we are proud to provide the support required to the Sultanate," Taylor said in a statement.

Oman signed a contract with BAE Systems to produce Typhoon multi-role jets and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft in 2012. Under the contract, BAE Systems will also provide in-service support for the Royal Air Force of Oman's operational tasks.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multi-role aircraft manufactured by three Europe-based companies, including Airbus Group, Alenia Aermacchi and BAE Systems. The aircraft is designed to have enhanced swing-role capabilities, and engage in both close-range and beyond visual range combat.