Eurofighter has defined a series of improvements to its Typhoon fighter, aimed at making the aircraft more attractive to export customers, as well as improving its capability for the partner nations. The "continuous technology insertion" (CTI) program will start early in the 2000s, according to BAe Eurofighter marketing executive David Hamilton.

One of the first enhancements will be the incorporation of BAe's Terprom terrain-referenced navigation (TRN) system, which will allow the Typhoon to fly "hands-off, at night, and at low level," Hamilton said.

At the request of potential customers, Eurofighter is looking at overwing conformal fuel tanks (CFTs). These will be similar in concept to the CFTs fitted to the F-16 Block 60, but will be much larger, accommodating 8,800 pounds of fuel-almost as much as Typhoon's standard internal fuel load. With the bolt-on tanks in place, the fighter will be capable of reaching Mach 1.6 and maneuvering at seven to 8g. Maximum takeoff weight will be increased to accommodate the greater external load.

The uprated EJ230 engine with thrust-vectoring (TV) nozzles is also being considered for Typhoon. In Eurofighter's view, TV is more valuable in reducing landing and take-off distances than for close combat. The advent of advanced infrared homing missiles such as ASRAAM is blurring the distinction between close combat and beyond visual range (BVR) engagements, said Hamilton, "so we want to maintain energy, because BVR and close combat are not two different things."

Other improvements contemplated for the Typhoon include an active array radar, based on the GEC-Marconi/Thomson-CSF AMSAR program, and the integration of more advanced weapons.

Eurofighter is looking at potential export markets in Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Australia. The main window of opportunity opens in 2005, says Hamilton, when export aircraft could be delivered.