Navalised Eurofighter

This article outlines proposals of a "navalised" (aircraft carrier variant) of the EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON aircraft.
This option was originally studied in the late 1990s as a potential solution to the need for a for its new () aircraft carriers. Although formally discounted in early 2001, subsequent issues with the UK's involvement in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme have now led to renewed calls for EUROFIGHTER to be Navalised for the UK's aircraft carriers. In parallel, there has been been some interest expressed by other nations in adapting EUROFIGHTER for aircraft carrier operations.
As of early 2011, the naval variant of EUROFIGHTER remains only a concept aircraft, that has yet to progress beyond the initial design stages.
However, proponents argue that it represents a more cost-effective and timely solution to UK carrier borne aircraft requirements than F-35. In this context, the ability of EUROFIGHTER to be launched on a STOBAR-basis (i.e. without the need for aircraft launch catapults to be fitted to the ships), the commonality that would be achieved with the RAF's shore-based EUROFIGHTERS, and the potential benefits to UK industry, are all cited as key arguments in favour of the UK withdrawing from the F-35 programme and Navalising EUROFIGHTER instead.
UK Interest in a Carrier-Capable Eurofighter Typhoon
Initial Interest (Late 1990s)
In the late 1990s a "navalised" variant of Eurofighter Typhoon was considered for the UK Royal Navy's aircraft carriers.
A Navalised Eurofighter would have operated from the ships on a Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) basis, using a for aircraft launch and Arrestor Gear / Tail Hook for conventional landing.
There is considerable debate (which persists to this day) on the practicality of adapting Eurofighter for naval operation, with particular regard to the cost and extent of adaptation required, and the effect on aircraft performance.
A critical factor in determining the viability of adapting the land-based Eurofighter for naval use is the extent to which modern technology can be used to circumvent traditional (highly prescriptive) design standards for naval aircraft. This one fundamental question determines the extent, cost and performance implications of the required adaptations, and therefore goes to the very heart of whether it is economically viable to navalise Eurofighter for what is a relatively modest (50-100 airframe) UK Royal Navy requirement. Any debate on what modifications are required to the aircraft and how much they will cost are somewhat meaningless unless this question is properly answered, for it drives the extent to which the aircraft needs to be strengthened and otherwise modified for deck operations.
In January 2001, the UK Ministry of Defence formally discounted the option of a Navalised Eurofighter for its new aircraft carriers, in favour of the STOVL ('B') variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which (at that time) promised to be a capable, low cost and more stealthy aircraft that would enter into service circa 2012 - a date that tied in well with the in-service date for the new UK aircraft Carriers as it stood at that time.
Renewed Interest (2005-2007)
There was renewed (low key) UK interest in a Navalised Eurofighter in the period 2005-2007. This was due to disagreement between the US and UK on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter project, primarily relating to US unwillingness to allow UK industry access to sensitive F-35 technology & software codes.
At this time the UK defence industry felt obliged to vehemently deny reports that it had started work on navalising Eurofighter as a fallback in the event of the UK withdrawing from the F-35 programme.
Renewed Calls to Navalise Eurofighter in Place of F-35 (2010-2011)
The UK's October 2010 Strategic Defence & Security Review ("SDR") announced that due to timescale, cost & performance issues with the STOVL variant of F-35 (F-35B), the UK would proceed with the CATOBAR F-35C variant instead. This will require the UK's Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers (which are already in build) to be retrofitted with electromagnetic aircraft launch catapults - a task which some warn is a costly and high risk undertaking of the F-35 programme has led to renewed calls for the UK cancel its involvement in the F-35 programme, and "navalise" the final Eurofighter production Tranche (which it is already committed to buy) for operation from the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Separately to this, there have been growing calls for the UK either to:
* discount both F-35 and a Navalised Eurofighter, and proceed instead with an "off-the-shelf" purchase of existing F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft for operation from its new carriers;
* lease F-18 E/F's from America as a stop-gap measure.
Were F-18 able to operate from the new carriers on a STOBAR basis (i.e. without the need for launch catapults) then it would be an attractive, low cost and low risk option for the UK.
However, the following factors arguably tend to swing the argument back in favour of Navalising Eurofighter, should the UK decide to exit the F-35 programme:
* the presumed need of F-18 to be launched by catapult (major ship fit implications);
* overall aircraft capability;
* preservation of UK defence industry manufacturing capability & jobs;
* commonality of support & training with the RAF's land-based Eurofighter fleet;
* the significant export potential that a Navalised Eurofighter might have.
Current Status (January 2011)
As of January 2011 the UK Coalition Government remains firmly wedded to the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. However a Navalised Eurofighter, F-18 E/F Super Hornet or the French Rafale remain the most likely fallback candidates, should cost and timescale issues ultimately lead to UK withdrawal from the F-35 programme.
Interest from Other Nations
During 2000, Eurofighter GmbH (the consortium which builds and sells Eurofighter Typhoon) is reported to have briefed the Italian Navy about a Navalised version of Typhoon that could operate from its new 25,000 tonnes carrier, CAVOUR.
More recently, India has shown interest in a carrier-based variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

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