Paveway IV tested on Typhoon

WARTON, England, March 7 (UPI) -- A Paveway IV bomb has been dropped from a Typhoon aircraft for the first time in a system integration test in Wales by BAE Systems.

The test demonstrates a commitment to enhance and upgrade Typhoon's capabilities in its ground attack role and forms part of the Typhoon Future Capability Upgrade, the company said.

"This was a successful test flight demonstrating the (Typhoon's) avionics system is able to use global positioning system data and target information sourced from the aircraft to prepare for the release," Typhoon test pilot Nat Makepeace said. "All communication with the aircraft and safe release of the bomb went to plan."

Paveway IV is a highly accurate, precision-guided bomb capable of significantly minimizing collateral damage.

The test was part of a program to integrate Paveway IV onto the aircraft and builds on the environmental and jettison trials that have already been performed.

Paveway IV is expected to be provided to Britain's Ministry of Defense next year when the British air force will start operational evaluation. Paveway IV has been successfully integrated onto Britain's Harrier GR9/9A and Tornado GR4 aircraft.