Posted on 04/22/2014 12:32:00 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The Eurofighter Typhoon’s proposed conformal fuel tank (CFT) configuration has entered windtunnel testing in the UK, partner company BAE Systems has revealed.
BAE says it is “currently assessing the aerodynamic characteristics of carrying two fuselage-mounted conformal fuel tanks on the Typhoon aircraft”, using a high-speed windtunnel at its Warton site in Lancashire. “This testing will help to accelerate the clearance process for such tanks to be integrated on to Typhoon, offering increased range and flexibility to the aircraft,” the company adds.
BAE Systems
A new configuration item for the Tranche 3 production standard Typhoon, the conformal structures would free up under-wing pylons frequently used to carry external fuel tanks, but recently employed in testing to carry the MBDA Storm Shadow and Taurus Systems KEPD 350 cruise missiles (below). All Tranche 3 aircraft are being manufactured with the required structural and fuel system modifications to carry the CFTs.
Airbus Defence & Space
The four-nation Eurofighter consortium exhibited a full-size model of the Typhoon with the conformal tanks fitted at the Dubai air show last November, with the adaptation having been on offer to the United Arab Emirates, which subsequently halted talks linked to a potential Typhoon acquisition.
BAE Systems
Wouldn’t air refueling be cheaper?...............
Think Strike Eagle. Except those are some ugly blisters, BAE.
TC
“Wouldn’t air refueling be cheaper?...”
Might be cheaper, but certainly not applicable in every circumstance.
Can the pods be ejected? I assume these are for extra fuel reserve purposes only and not fixed.
Are the drop capable? Will they separate without hitting the tail/wing/fuselage?
I’ve found that as I grow older....I have a couple of extra “fuel tanks”....
From what I have been able to find.... no.
Aerial refueling complicates mission planning. And as the article states the conformal tanks “free up” under wing hard-points for carrying weapons stores.
Some countries considering the purchase of the Euro-fighter Typhoon may also have very little air to air refueling ability.
Conformal fuel tanks are not jettisonable in flight. They can be added or removed on the ground.
Sadly I seem to just add extra impact padding.
There ain’t nuttin’ “conformal” about those fuel tanks.
““Wouldn’t air refueling be cheaper?...”
Might be cheaper, but certainly not applicable in every circumstance.”
I think it’s quite likely that future combat scenarios will include AI or long range drones orbiting about where the refueling tankers are expected to be. Drones and essentially disposable fire and forget assets will make current operational scenarios obsolete.
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