Page 15 - Aviation News (February 2020)

System (FCAS) programme involving Germany is looking at buying more Interdiction Strike (IDS) and 35 Electronic
Germany, France and Spain. Eurofighters to replace its remaining Tornado Combat and Reconnaissance (ECR)
At the heart of this upgrade will be fleet and some of the Tranche 1 aircraft. Key- aircraft remain in service with TaktLwG
the retrofit of a new Captor-E AESA Dino Carrara 33 at Büchel, in Rhineland-Palatinate and
(active electronically scanned array) If selected, it would share an identical with TaktLwG 51 ‘Immelmann’ at Jagel, in
radar, known as MK1. This is similar to configuration with the German Quadriga Schleswig-Holstein. The former flies the
the Radar One Plus (MK0) being fitted to standard, allowing the two neighbours IDS variant in the attack and strike roles
the Typhoons now being built for Kuwait to pursue a joint procurement which, (the latter using US-owned B61 nuclear
and Qatar, but with a new multi-channel Airbus says, will ensure significant weapons), while TaktLwG 51 operates a
receiver. Airbus insists that the E-SCAN economic benefits for Switzerland. Airbus mix of IDS and ECR versions in the tactical
MK1 programme will provide Germany has proposed up to 40 Eurofighters as reconnaissance, suppression of enemy air
and Spain with full national radar replacements for the McDonnell Douglas defences and naval air warfare roles.
sovereignty in systems and equipment. F/A-18 Hornet and Northrop F- 5 Tiger II. The different functions of the two
Nineteen Spanish Tranche 3 aircraft will A decision on a new fighter by the Federal remaining Tornado units is reflected
be upgraded to the same standards from Council is due at the end of 2020 or early by the fact that their replacement has
Q3 2022. Airbus expects a contract award the following year. Eurofighter is offering full been divided into two parts. The overall
in early 2020. autonomy in mission data and technology requirement is for a total of 85 aircraft,
The Luftwaffe aims to replace its access for Switzerland, with a number of but this is split between two batches,
surviving 32 Tranche 1 Eurofighters, projects intended to satisfy the country’s consisting of 45 aircraft with strategic
rather than upgrade them. Under Project industrial participation requirements. (meaning nuclear or ‘strike’) capabilities
Quadriga the Tranche 1 aircraft will and 40 as escort jammers.
be replaced by 31-38 new production TORNADO The F-35 was ruled out of contention at
examples (seven two-seater and 26 single- REPLACEMENT an early stage (as was Boeing’s F-15), but
seaters, with options for five extra of the In addition to its Tranche 2/3 upgrade many commentators felt that the way the
latter for a test/development unit). The and the new-build Quadriga Tranche 1 requirement was framed favoured the F/A-
Quadriga aircraft standard will include the replacement, the German MoD is seeking 18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
MK1 E-scan radar, and a contract award is to replace its ageing Tornado fleet by Their reasoning was that integration of the
expected in early 2020. Production will be 2030. About 85 of Germany’s 210 Tornado B61 would be easier and quicker on the
at a rate of eight to ten aircraft per year. Germany procured 143 Eurofighters in three Super Hornet than on the Eurofighter, while
Airbus is offering the Typhoon to batches and is looking to upgrade its Tranche the in-service Growler had demonstrated a
meet the New Swiss Fighter requirement. 2 and 3 aircraft. Key-Dino Carrara formidable escort jamming capability.

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