Defence

How many weapons does Eurofighter Typhoon will carry?

The Eurofighter Typhoon, a European multinational twin-engine, supersonic, canard delta wing, multirole fighter, is a highly versatile aircraft utilized by several air forces worldwide.

Competing with other advanced fighters like the F16 and the Rafale, the Typhoon stands out with its extensive weapons carrying capabilities, enabling it to perform a broad spectrum of missions ranging from air superiority to ground attack.

In its air-to-air role, the Typhoon can carry an impressive array of missiles. These include the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the MBDA Meteor, which are beyond visual range radar-guided missiles, and the IRIS-T, AIM-132 ASRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. This diverse selection allows the Typhoon to effectively engage enemy aircraft in both short and long-range scenarios.

For air-to-surface missions, the Typhoon is equipped with a variety of missiles such as the Storm Shadow/Scalp EG, Brimstone, AGM-88 HARM, Taurus KEPD 350, and the SPEAR 3, which is currently in progress.

Additionally, the aircraft is capable of carrying anti-ship missiles like the Marte ER, with the capacity to hold up to six Marte ER missiles on six hardpoints, and the Joint Strike Missile, which is planned for future integration.

The Typhoon’s ground-attack capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to deploy an array of bombs. This includes the Paveway II, III, and Enhanced Paveway series of laser-guided bombs, the 500-lb Paveway IV, and the Small Diameter Bomb, which is planned for its P2E (Phase 2 Enhancement) program.

Furthermore, work began in 2018 to incorporate the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) into its arsenal, with future potential to include the HOPE/HOSBO.

The Typhoon’s versatility in its weaponry is underscored by its adaptability to various mission requirements. Under the Tranche 2, Block 15 Enhanced Operational Capability (EOC) 2 program, the Meteor missile was integrated into the Typhoon’s arsenal, and a similar capability was achieved in the RAF under “Project Centurion.”

This project modified 107 Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoons to use the Meteor along with the Brimstone and Storm Shadow air-to-ground missiles, significantly boosting its combat effectiveness.

Defence

Russia’s NV.17 Hybrid Helicopter Aims to Balance Light and Heavy Helicopter Needs

As Western sanctions continue to impact Russia’s aviation sector, the country is making significant strides in advancing its domestic aerospace capabilities.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Russia has unveiled the Heliburo HB.17, a cutting-edge hybrid-powered medium-class helicopter that promises to reshape both commercial and military aviation.

The helicopter is currently in the technical design phase, with plans for its first flight slated for 2027. This marks a major step forward in Russia’s efforts to modernize its aviation fleet and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

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The HB.17 is designed as a versatile, multi-role aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of functions. It is built to handle cargo transport, passenger carriage, reconnaissance, and close air support missions. With its robust design and flexible capabilities, the HB.17 is expected to meet the needs of both military and commercial operators, offering a solution for missions requiring a greater capacity than light helicopters but avoiding the limitations of larger aircraft.

One of the most innovative features of the HB.17 is its hybrid power plant. This combination of conventional and electric technologies enhances fuel efficiency, allowing the helicopter to stay airborne for up to seven hours without needing to refuel.

This extended operational endurance makes the HB.17 particularly well-suited for long-duration missions, providing a significant advantage over traditional helicopters. Additionally, the HB.17 will be equipped with modern avionics, ensuring advanced navigation, communication, and operational capabilities.

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The HB.17 is positioned to compete with other medium-class helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-60/62 and the Mil Mi-38. However, its hybrid powerplant and modern avionics set it apart, offering a more efficient and technologically advanced alternative.

Its multi-role versatility, combined with its fuel efficiency and cutting-edge systems, gives it a competitive edge in the evolving aviation landscape. The introduction of the HB.17 follows recent reports of Russia receiving a new batch of armored vehicles from the UAE-based Streit Group.

Russia has traditionally focused on producing helicopters for defense purposes, but this time, it appears to be venturing into the civilian helicopter market with the HB.17.

This, along with the ongoing development of the HB.17, reflects Russia’s continued efforts to modernize its military assets and increase its self-reliance, even as sanctions continue to pressure its defense and aerospace sectors.

As Russia faces mounting geopolitical challenges, the HB.17 stands as a symbol of resilience, technological innovation, and determination to maintain its military and aviation capabilities.