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[Review] Eurofighter Typhoon - Versatile Perfection

The Eurofighter 2000 Typhoon (Block 10 Tranche 2), Typhoon FGR.4, and F-2000A are 4.5th generation fighter jets with exceptional versatility and advanced technology, found in the German, British, and Italian tech trees. Equipped with AIM-120B AMRAAMs and AIM-9M Sidewinders, they excel in both long-range and close-quarters air combat. On the ground attack side, the Typhoons boast an impressive arsenal, including advanced guided bombs and missiles, making them equally devastating against ground targets.

Pros:Cons:
Exceptional flight performanceLack unguided rockets
High speed, acceleration, and climb rateSmall ammunition capacity for the Mauser BK-27 (150 rounds)
Excellent maneuverability and energy retentionGerman variant lacks IRST
LITENING III targeting pod with thermal imaging and up to 18 x Brimstones (SAL)Limited conventional bomb load
Compact profile and a high number of countermeasures enhancing survivabilityLack internal amor
Supercruise capabilityInferior radar performance compared to other aircraft

Flight Performance

The Eurofighters demonstrate exceptional flight performance, establishing themselves as one of the most capable and advanced jets in their class. Powered by twin Eurojet EJ200 engines, they boast a total afterburner thrust exceeding 17,000 kgf, similar to the F-15C, delivering extraordinary acceleration and an impressive climb rate.

With a dry weight of just 11 tons and a gross weight of 18.6 tons, less than most of their counterparts, including the F-15s and Su-27s, the Typhoons achieve an outstanding thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling them to rapidly reach combat altitudes and maintain superior energy in engagements as well as outrun or follow enemy planes with ease. At lower altitudes, they achieve speeds exceeding 1,500 km/h (Mach 1.25+) with the top speed increasing a lot at higher altitudes, while their supercruise capability allows them to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners at both low and high altitudes. However, pilots should exercise caution with prolonged afterburner usage, as the aircrafts' incredible speed can cause structural stress severe enough to tear them apart!

In terms of maneuverability, the Typhoons also excel, thanks to their unstable design. Their advanced aerodynamics combined with their excellent energy retention, ensures they can outmaneuver many contemporary aircraft. Some enemy planes to be aware of in a dogfight are the Rafale C F3 — the Eurofighters’ main counterpart, and the JAS39C as well as any aircraft equipped with the R-73 missile, like the Su-33, due to its exceptionally high G-overload and thrust-vectoring!

Air-to-Air Capabilities

The Typhoons are formidable air superiority fighters, designed to dominate the skies featuring an array of advanced weapons and avionics. They can carry a flexible loadout of 8, 9, or even 10 air-to-air missiles, a capability that not many other aircraft can claim, offering a combination of radar-guided and infrared-guided options to suit various strategies. Pilots can choose from loadouts such as 6 AIM-120B AMRAAMs paired with 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, 5 AIM-120Bs with 4 AIM-9Ms, or even 4 AIM-120Bs complemented by 6 AIM-9Ms, which amounts to an astonishing total of ten missiles.

Compared to aircraft such as the Su-27SM or F-15E, the Eurofighters' missile versatility is not a distinguishing feature. However, the Su-27SM relies heavily on its R-77 missiles, which, while effective, lack the AIM-120Bs range. Similarly, the F-15E’s AIM-9Ms and AIM-120Bs are the same as on the Eurofighters, but are carried on a heavier airframe, limiting the effectiveness in close-quarters combat.

At the heart of the Typhoons' air-to-air prowess lies the CAPTOR-M radar. While not as advanced as the radars found on some counterparts, it is still capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets at considerable distances, allowing the AIM-120Bs to perform effectively. These active-radar-homing (ARH) missiles offer very good range, enabling BVR engagements at distances of 40 kilometers and beyond.

For closer encounters, the AIM-9Ms complement the Typhoons‘ arsenal. These advanced IR-guided missiles boast good tracking capabilities, agility, and IRCCM, making them highly effective when pursuing fleeing targets and sometimes even in dogfights. They are most effective in rear-aspect shots, where it’s almost impossible to evade them, even whilst deploying countermeasures. Due to this, even though the German Eurofighter variant lacks IRST, the AIM-9Ms still greatly enhance its lethality in close-range engagements. Furthermore, the British Typhoon FGR.4 and the Italian F-2000A are equipped with the Pirate IRST, enabling target locks without triggering enemy RWR alerts, which is a particularly valuable advantage in Simulator Battles. Combined with the Typhoons‘ HMD, which allows pilots to lock onto targets simply by looking at them, and the inclusion of a lead indicator for all Typhoon variants, which makes dogfighting much more effective, as it assists in accurately placing shots, the aircrafts remains a force to be reckoned with.

In close combat, the Rafale C F3 is one of the few aircraft that can directly challenge the Typhoons. With its Matra R550 Magic 2 IR-guided missiles and MICA-EM ARH missiles featuring thrust-vectoring as well as its good agility, the Rafale mirrors many of the Eurofighters‘ strengths!

Air-to-Ground Armament

All Eurofighter variants excel in their versatility as multirole fighters, with a robust suite of air-to-ground capabilities, comparable to the Su-34 and F-15E, if not superior, that make them highly effective platforms for precision strikes. Their armament includes the 27mm Mauser BK-27 autocannon with 150 rounds, also found in the Tornado family and on the Alpha Jet A, featuring a high rate of fire and a penetration value sufficient to destroy light tanks and IFVs. Thanks to its CCIP system for guns, the BK-27 allows for precise strafing runs, adding a reliable close-range attack option to the Typhoons’ arsenal, if no AA system is present.

For conventional munitions, the Typhoons can carry up to 6×1,000lb bombs or 2×2,000lb bombs. These unguided bombs are effective for base-bombing or destroying ground targets in Air Battles. When paired with the Typhoons‘ CCIP and CCRP systems for bombs, delivering accurate strikes even with unguided ordnance becomes much easier. However, the true strength of the Eurofighters lies in their arsenal of precision-guided munitions.

They can equip several types of laser- and satellite-guided munitions. Among these are up to 10 x Paveway IV guided bombs (177 kg each), up to 6 x GBU-48 Paveway II (1,092lb each) and 6 x GBU-54B LJDAM bombs (500lb each). The GBU-54B combines laser and GPS guidance, allowing engagement of both stationary and moving targets.

One of the most remarkable features of the Typhoons' air-to-ground capabilities is their ability to carry up to 18 x Semi-Active Laser (SAL) Brimstone missiles. These missiles, which can also be found on the Tornado GR.4, are exceptionally effective for targeting heavily armored vehicles, small moving targets, and enemy air defense systems. Their semi-active laser guidance provides high accuracy, making them ideal for close air support in Ground Battles.

As high-tier vehicles, the Eurofighters offer fully customizable secondary armaments, allowing for a mix of all available weapons. This means you can theoretically equip a loadout featuring AIM-9Ms, AIM-120Bs, unguided 1,000lb and 2,000lb bombs, guided bombs, and Brimstone missiles all at once!

Complementing these munitions is the LITENING III targeting pod, equipped with thermal imaging and a high-zoom capability. This advanced system allows for precise target acquisition and tracking. The LITENING III pod, paired with the Typhoons' guided munitions, ensures exceptional effectiveness in precision-strike scenarios, making the formidable platforms for all types of ground engagements.

Despite their extensive arsenal of advanced air-to-ground weaponry, the Eurofighters lack unguided rockets!

Survivability

The Eurofighter 2000 Typhoon (Block 10 Tranche 2), Typhoon FGR.4, and F-2000A are designed with comprehensive suites of defensive features, such as a Missile Approach Warning system (MAW) as well as a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The MAW provides early alerts of incoming missiles, deploying countermeasures automatically, while the RWR detects radar locks and tracks, offering situational awareness against radar-guided missiles and enemy aircraft as well as AA systems. Together, these systems significantly enhance the Typhoons' ability to react to threats, ensuring their survivability.

One of the Eurofighters' standout defensive features is their extensive countermeasure capacity. They can carry up to 384 flares or chaff or any combination of the two (e.g., 192 flares and 192 chaff), a number rarely found on any other aircraft except the JAS-39 Gripen family with over 700 countermeasures and the A-10 Thunderbolt II family with 480 countermeasures. The high quantity of countermeasures ensures that the Typhoons can endure prolonged engagements without running out of defensive options.

In addition to its defensive systems, even though lacking internal armor, the Typhoons benefit from a relatively small profile with a wingspan of just 11 meters (similar to the MiG-29s). Combined with their speed and maneuverability, this small profile allows the Typhoons to evade threats effectively, either by breaking missile locks (in combination with countermeasures), evading bullets, or outmaneuvering other aircraft.

Usage in Battle

To fully utilize the Typhoons’ capabilities, the strategy largely depends on the game mode.

Air Battles

In Air Realistic Battles (ARB), one effective strategy for the Eurofighters is to focus on their BVR missiles. By equipping six AIM-120Bs, you can leverage the aircrafts' excellent acceleration and climb rate to quickly ascend to higher altitudes, giving you a strong position for missile engagements. From there, you can fire the long-range AMRAAMs at enemy aircraft that are lower than you, at a distance of approximately 40-50 kilometers, giving the missile more potential energy. After firing, you can either return to an airfield to reload or dive into closer combat with the two AIM-9Ms and your gun to finish off targets that remain.

You can also opt for minimal fuel and just six AIM-120Bs, further enhancing your acceleration and top speed. After launching and guiding your missiles to a range of approximately 15 kilometers, where their onboard radar takes over, you can return to the airfield to rearm and equip a different loadout!

Another option is a more cautious approach, where you can select a loadout according to your preference. This can include bombs or a balanced mix of missiles. Instead of rushing directly into the battlefield, you can approach at an angle to surprise enemies who are focused on other targets. While on your way, fly extremely close to the ground (ideally staying below 50–60 meters at all times) as this approach makes you still visible to enemy Pulse Doppler radars but significantly reduces the likelihood of radar-guided missiles hitting you. The closer you are to the ground, the lower the chances of being struck. With this approach, you can use the Eurofighters’ missiles to intercept and eliminate enemy aircraft one by one. If you opt for bombs, you can even destroy one base.

In Simulator Battles, the Typhoons excel at high-altitude combat, where their speed and AIM-120Bs are most effective. Start by climbing to around 7,000 meters or higher to leverage the AIM-120B’s range. Prioritize them for long-range engagements, and save the AIM-9Ms for closer, more maneuverable targets. It’s best to stay high, using your altitude and speed to your advantage, allowing you to dive for quick strikes when needed. By staying at higher altitudes, you can also effectively notch enemy ARH missiles and fly away or even dive to gain additional speed. As the missile climbs, it loses energy, making it easier to evade. Additionally, always be aware of your fuel consumption, have a look on your RWR and radar every now and then, and check your speed when diving and when flying with afterburners.

Ground Battles

In Ground Realistic Battles (GRB), the Eurofighters offer two primary strategies: climbing to high altitudes (8,000m or more) or flying low to the ground. Identifying targets can be done through several methods, such as setting a target point on the map or scanning the battlefield with the LITENING III targeting pod as its thermal imaging and high zoom allow you to locate enemies with ease.

When equipped with GBUs (e.g., GBU-48 or GBU-54B), a high-altitude approach is mandatory. After spawning, climb to 8,000m or higher as this keeps you safe from most SPAA vehicles while giving you time to line up your bomb drops using CCRP guidance. The Brimstone missiles, on the other hand, provide more flexibility: You can engage from both high altitudes or closer to the ground.

To counter SPAAs effectively, situational awareness is key. Most anti-air units tend to stay near the spawn point, which can be leveraged to your advantage. If your RWR detects radar emissions right after spawning (e.g., from a Pantsir-S1), it’s likely that the SPAA is at or near the enemy spawn. In such cases, set a target point on the map for the enemy spawn as you descend. Launch Brimstones towards the general area while you stay low to the ground. About five seconds before impact (which can be seen next to the Brimstones at the top left of your screen), climb up and switch to your targeting pod to manually adjust the missile’s trajectory onto an enemy SPAA. By employing this method, the AA system is effectively neutralized, while your exposure to its targeting systems is limited to just a few seconds right after spawn and just before impact of the Brimstone (s), making it virtually impossible to be shot down!

Keep in mind that the Brimstones are SAL-guided, meaning you can only target one enemy at a time. However, you can fire multiple Brimstones at a single target to ensure a kill, especially given the high number of missiles available in your payload!

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, the Eurofighter Typhoons stand out as one of the most capable aircraft in their class, excelling in both air-to-air combat and precision ground strikes. While they lack unguided rockets, their advanced avionics, powerful weapons, and excellent flight performance make them a versatile choice for any mission. Whether dominating the skies or delivering pinpoint strikes, the Typhoons prove themselves as true multirole powerhouses!

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