Airbus pitches ECR/SEAD Eurofighter

Emphasizing the German requirement for a Tornado ECR replacement, Airbus unveiled an ECR/SEAD variant of the Eurofighter. The new configuration would carry two escort jamming pods on the outboard under wing stations, and move the external fuel tanks to the inboard stations, which are currently dry, and also carry the SPEAR-EW SEAD weapon. It will almost certainly be a two seat aircraft.

The current German requirement is for 40 Tornado ECR aircraft. This would also be pitched for other countries as well.

www.janes.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

www.airbus.com...

a reply to: mightmight

Love how the last image in the PDF is the future roles and capabilities showing an F-35 lol!

a reply to: RickyD

If you mean the FCAS page, it's not a F-35. You can tell just based on the dual engines, never mind all the other details.

a reply to: anzha

Maybe...it looked very similar airframe wise to me though. I do know 1 thing...it sure ain't a eurofighterlol

Its an interesting idea for sure. Kind of along the lines of the F-15EX giving an old dog new tricks but the idea of Germany who cannot keep its existing fleet up to even normal readiness levels makes a buy unlikely IMHO

Now an F-15EX SEAD/ EW aircraft would be interesting

originally posted by: FredT
Its an interesting idea for sure. Kind of along the lines of the F-15EX giving an old dog new tricks but the idea of Germany who cannot keep its existing fleet up to even normal readiness levels makes a buy unlikely IMHO

Now an F-15EX SEAD/ EW aircraft would be interesting

The readiness levels are a separate issue. They've have to replace the Tornados with something. As such an ECR Eurofighter makes the most sense.

a reply to: moebius

Readiness levels speak directly to a nations desire to maintain a credible military. I agree they need to replace the Tornados, but there is ZERO point if they cannot keep the rest of the military together

At current prices a 40 plane buy would equal 10% of their annual budget not counting upkeep

Hmmm, this may work out as a way to sort Germany's nuke problem.

Making a few assumptions:

The US may keep about 10-20 B61's in Germany. If the Germans borrowed (purchased) 10 ASAMP-A missiles from the French I'm sure qualifying the ASAMP-A on the Typhoon would be faster than the B61's.

So a two seat with ECM and a ASAMP-A on the center-line in-place of the drop tank. With a 300 kiloton payload and a 500KM range that would be a little worrisome for any attacker.

The missiles could be kept under control of NATO to cover the Germans hate of Nukes and for the image of NATO protecting Europe.

Just may random thoughts of the morning.

Rich

a reply to: RAB

You'd have a point if Germany was at all interested in a viable nuclear capability.
Unfortunately, Germany doesn't give a rats ass about the actual weapon system. It's all about having at least a little control over the nuclear planning process within Nato.
Something along the lines of 'if the Americans have to cooperate with us on this issue, they can't do what they want and we can restrain them'.

France has suggested nuclear cooperation multiple times over the years Germany turned down the French every time. Also, French nuclear forces are not and never will be under the control of Nato. It would be an explicitly European cooperation. Interesting in its own right for sure but not what Berlin is after.

I wonder if they could build some new twin seats and equip it like the Hornet EW build?

Not a bad idea for the consortium.

originally posted by: mightmight
a reply to: Zaphod58

www.airbus.com...

Why are Airbus dropping the Eurofighter Consortium in Their ads. Traitors

a reply to: Forensick

I believe that the company that leads the proposal brands it with only company branding as they are the lead team, so the BAE systems documentation is likly only branded in the BAE stuff.

But none the less the product will still be manufactured by the consortium.

RAB

Hi Guys,

Seems Airbus is serious about this!

First the pitch now the push:

Airbus Push (Janes)

It would be a nice addon to the Typhoon in kit form :-) Allowing the UK et al to have the benefits without the need to buy more air-frames. But the work involved may stop that little idea.

Kind regards

Rich