Typhoon
As a multi-role weapons platform the Typhoon is as yet unproven. However, for the present and foreseeable future it is meeting the RAF’s need for an air defence fighter, for which it was originally designed. In its all-weather, day and night air defence role the Typhoon is an extremely agile aircraft, capable of being flown beyond the limits of the pilot, when the aircraft’s systems take over. It is capable of Mach 2 at an altitude of 65,000’.
Whilst designed primarily for the air defence role at altitude Typhoons regularly fly low level sorties as this is a necessary and important skill for all fast jet pilots. Typhoons have been photographed low level in all major low flying areas in the UK. However, the Typhoon can sometimes be difficult to lock focus on as the delta wing provides, in certain light conditions, insufficient contrast for digital focusing systems to both meter and lock onto.
As of June 2011 the Typhoon equips five squadrons; 3(F), 6(F), XI, 17(R) and 29(R). 29(R) Squadron is the Typhoon OCU, whilst 17(R) is the Typhoon Test and Evaluation Squadron. Alongside a number of Tornado GR4 aircraft, the Typhoon is also in service with 41(R) Squadron, the Fast Jet & Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit. With the exception of 6 Squadron, which is based at RAF Leuchars, in Fife, all Typhoon squadrons are based at RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire.
All photographs copyright © Michael Leek 2004-2012
A V I A G R A P H I C A
Whilst designed primarily for the air defence role at altitude Typhoons regularly fly low level sorties as this is a necessary and important skill for all fast jet pilots. Typhoons have been photographed low level in all major low flying areas in the UK. However, the Typhoon can sometimes be difficult to lock focus on as the delta wing provides, in certain light conditions, insufficient contrast for digital focusing systems to both meter and lock onto.
As of June 2011 the Typhoon equips five squadrons; 3(F), 6(F), XI, 17(R) and 29(R). 29(R) Squadron is the Typhoon OCU, whilst 17(R) is the Typhoon Test and Evaluation Squadron. Alongside a number of Tornado GR4 aircraft, the Typhoon is also in service with 41(R) Squadron, the Fast Jet & Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit. With the exception of 6 Squadron, which is based at RAF Leuchars, in Fife, all Typhoon squadrons are based at RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire.
All photographs copyright © Michael Leek 2004-2012
A V I A G R A P H I C A