Beyond Visual Range

• Overview
• Beyond Visual Range
• Close in Combat

The keys to success in the BVR environment lie in a fighter aircraft achieving first sight, first shot, and first kill. These keys require fighter aircraft to meet certain criteria. Firstly, exemplary communications and sensors (including secure and jam-resistant data links - to be first to seek out the enemy). Additionally, exceptional supersonic dash and manouevre capability (to be first to optimum AAM launch conditions), and a weapons suite with the operational "edge" (to ensure first kill). Finally, the aerodynamic capability to stay in the fight with retained advantage, should further fighting be necessary. Eurofighter Typhoon meets these needs in full.

A typical BVR engagement would involve the positive identification of targets over 70 miles away, using the CAPTOR Radar, and data link systems to automatically assess and prioritise the threat.

Eurofighter Typhoon will then use the high excess power of the two EJ200 engines to accelerate to around Mach 1.8, to close in on its target and maximum energy to its active missiles on release. Eurofighter Typhoon will then utilise its high supersonic turn rate to escape from the threat zone, or re-attack if necessary. DASS counter-measures and exceptional agility would be used to deny any enemy the successful use of his weapons.