Under the programme known as Retrofit 2, 43 Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft have been upgraded to the Tranche 1 Block 5 standard, which includes installation of the forward looking infra-red (FLIR) system, enhancement of the air-to-air capability, introduction of an air-to-surface capability and the ability to use the laser designator pod for precision weapon delivery. Martin Taylor, BAE Systems' combat air support director said: “This upgrade programme gives the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet an improved baseline capability, making it better than it has ever been before. This improved capability will also allow the Royal Air Force greater scope for how they manage the Typhoon fleet.” Air Commodore Keith Bethell, Head of the Fast Air Support Team, Defence Equipment and Support at the Ministry of Defence said: “The Retrofit 2 programme was one of the first steps on our ongoing journey to deliver Typhoon availability and capability through a partnered approach with BAE Systems. This early step helped lead us onto the highly successful Typhoon Availability Service into which Retrofit 2 was then subsumed. The conclusion of the Retrofit 2 programme is a significant milestone on the Typhoon journey and one we will build from as we continue to grow the Typhoon Force.” www.baesystems.com
