PROGRAMME NEWS & FEATURES

JUNE 2022

EDITION
SPECIAL
 Eurofighter Long Term
Evolution (LTE)
 Delivered to Kuwait
 NATO Air Policing
 Shaping the Future

Eurofighter Typhoon
The Backbone of European Defence
 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 3

PROGRAMME NEWS & FEATURES

JUNE 2022
Contents
EDITION
SPECIAL
Programme News & Features
 Eurofighter Long Term June 2022, ILA Berlin Special Edition
Evolution (LTE)
 Delivered to Kuwait
 NATO Air Policing
 Shaping the Future

Eurofighter Typhoon
The Backbone of European Defence

Cover Image Copyright: 4 LEADING ROLE 18 NAT’S NEW HORIZON

Luftwaffe / Christian Timmig Carlo Mancusi is the new CEO of Nat Makepeace clocked up nearly 5,500
Eurofighter. He’s looking to the build on flying hours, predominantly in fighter jets.
recent successes and help shape the Today, he passes on all this knowledge and
future of Eurofighter. Find out what’s he experience to help Eurofighter programme
Read Online
thinks the future holds. teams deliver the best possible product.
Eurofighter World is published by
Find out what his role entails.
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH
PR & Communications
Am Söldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos
communications@eurofighter.com

Editorial Team
Tom Clarke
Tony Garner
Victoria Kirstein
Martina Schmidmeir

Contributors
Airbus Defence and Space
BAE Systems 8 THE EVOLUTION 24 MANCHING’S ONE TEAM
Leonardo Just what is the Long-Term Evolution Study We get the inside story of the Eurofighter
Viva PR
Andreas Zeitler/Flying Wings
(LTE) Programme and what does it mean Kooperation Zelle (EKZ) — a ground-
for Eurofighter Typhoon? We answer your breaking collaboration between Airbus and
Photography questions here. the German Air Force. Discover more about
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH Read Online
Eurofighter Partner Companies
Read Online it from German Air Force Master Sergeant
BAE Systems Chris Limpächer, an Avionic-Tester, and
Charly Hodges
Deutsche Luftwaffe Airbus’ Christian Dotzauer, a crew chief and
Alessandro Maggia mechanic.
Max-Joseph Kronenbitter
UK MoD Crown
Lucas Westphal
Andreas Zeitler

10 HISTORY MAKERS 28 WE SHAPE THE FUTURE

Design & Production
images.art.design. Werbeagentur GmbH The Eurofighter aircraft delivered to Kuwait Eurofighter COO Programmes, Wolfgang
www.iad-design.de represent the most up-to-date configuration Gammel, discusses how Eurofighter
in Eurofighter Typhoon history. Find out Typhoon will play a key role in shaping future
Printed by
ESTA Druck GmbH how it was developed from the people technology through to the next generation of
www.esta-druck.de who made it happen. Read Online combat air solutions, by helping mature key Read Online
technologies. Read more here.

Eurofighter World on the Internet

www.world.eurofighter.com
Follow us on: 14 IT TAKES TWO 32 RAW POWER
‘Plug and Fight’ is a new concept which We speak to experienced aviation
enhances the interoperability between the photographer Andreas Zeitler about how
Eurofighter Typhoon nations within the he gets his best images. Well check out his
NATO Alliance. The latest chapter in the pictures, they speak for themselves.
story has just been written by the German Read Online Read Online
You can find information on how Eurofighter and Italian Air Forces. Read it here.
Jagdflugzeug GmbH processes personal data
and your rights on our website:

www.eurofighter.com/data-protection-
disclaimer

June 2022
4 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 5

It’s about improving the existing platform step-by-step, and

through this, paving the way for the future and helping to
mature technologies.

The
Backbone of
European Defence

Carlo Mancusi, CEO of Eurofighter, says an weapons system at the forefront of European programmes of work crystallise. Firstly, the
Eurofighter will long endure as the backbone of European air defence, evolved and advanced Eurofighter Typhoon defence,” he says. next capability enhancement contract known
is currently being shaped — ensuring it The key strategic elements of a 10-year as P4E, which will ensure the E-Scan radar
says the organisation’s new leader. remains in service to 2060 and beyond. plan for Eurofighter development have been can reach its full operational capability. Sec-
“We have a strong programme, with a agreed among the key partners, with the first ondly, the Eurofighter Long Term Evolution
strong future and we have already secured five years of the plan already on contract. (LTE) study, which will underpin the future
a number of developments that will keep the Carlo says this plan will also see two key development of the weapon system. 
6 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 7

a chance to reflect on their requirements.” a number of significant contracts, including “Of course, we know that to win new
“Our 10-Year Plan secures our de- He adds that the LTE maturation phase the extension of the C1 and C3 support contracts we need to show that we are
velopment activities — with the first five is due to take place between 2023 and contracts. thinking about the continuous development
years’ work already on contract and we are 2025 and will demonstrate in a practical Looking to the prospect of further orders of the weapons system. That’s why our 10-
working hard to extend this for the next five way what technologies can be used in an he says: “Notwithstanding the success we Year Plan and LTE are so important. They
years. It is important because the aircraft ‘LTE Eurofighter’. have with the Qatar, Kuwait and Quadriga demonstrate we have the contractual route
will be able to offer additional capabilities to Carlo says: “It’s about improving the contracts, we are seeking further contracts in place to achieve additional capabilities.”
meet evolving operational requirements. existing platform step-by-step, and through to keep our production lines busy. Carlo, who has worked on the Euro-
“We are looking forward to making pro- this, paving the way for the future and help- “We are looking both to core customers fighter programme from its inception in the
gress on P4E and the additional capability ing to mature technologies. Just how radical and to the export market for additional 1980s, says he is proud about what it has
that it brings. In terms of LTE, we have put and ambitious the nations are and what is buys and there are positive signs out there. achieved and is optimistic about the future.
some options on the table, but we need to practically possible needs to be worked There is a growing interest with respect to “The programme brings together differ-
let individual nations take decisions about through.” mature aircraft that can be used together ent skills, cultures and requirements,” he
the future of their armed forces. The world Having taken on the CEO role in Jan- with other platforms to give nations the says. “We have developed a truly collabora-
has changed significantly in a short period uary, Carlo says the programme has per- best possible synergy. It is up to us to turn tive way of working and have built a valua-
of time and it’s important that nations have formed well in the last two years capturing these opportunities into contracts. ble legacy. We have become accustomed to
working together in an innovative environ-
ment, with teams and companies who come
together to deliver strong results.
“Of course, on a day-to-day basis we fo-
cus on the challenges directly in front of us,
but when you take a step back and look at
the big picture the programme has achieved
great success.
“Our aircraft is one of the cornerstones
of European defence and the Eurofighter
programme is the backbone of Europe-
an defence. What we do is difficult, it is
complex both in terms of the weapons
system and the programme but we have the
expertise.”

A LONG-TERM
CONNECTION WITH
EUROFIGHTER
He says that Eurofighter and its partner
companies — Airbus Germany and Airbus Carlo Mancusi joined Eurofighter in January 2022 from Leonardo, where he held
Spain, BAE Systems and Leonardo — rose a series of senior roles, most recently as Head of the Fighter Line of Business for
to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. the Leonardo Aircraft Division, where he was responsible for Eurofighter Typhoon
He explains, “Despite the issues brought and other programmes.
about by Covid we performed well. Of
course, we missed the direct contact with He started his career in 1981 and was involved in the Eurofighter forerunner - the
people, with our customer, with our nations, EAP demonstrator. At the beginning of the Eurofighter project, Carlo took part in
and with our partner companies. The suc- the early meetings where the design standards and materials were discussed.
cess we enjoyed is down to the dedication Later, he was appointed Eurofighter Production Director, overseeing the establish-
of the people. The way they reacted was ment of the final assembly in Caselle, near Turin.
outstanding. The first thing I did when I was
appointed was to congratulate the team for “For me, Eurofighter is an old friend,” he says. “Time and again it has been part
their dedication and commitment. of my career. Indeed, before joining Eurofighter in January I was involved in the
“Looking to the future it will be good to delivery of the first two Kuwait aircraft in December last year.
get back to some of the things we took for
granted before Covid, like the opportunity “I’m returning to a programme I know well. Personally, this is an opportunity to
to meet our customers and stakeholders contribute to building something for future generations. The Eurofighter pro-
The programme brings together different skills, face-to-face in familiar environments like air gramme offered a wonderful chance for young engineers like me to develop and
cultures and requirements. show and conferences. It will be good to re- progress our careers. I want to make sure others have a similar experience in the
establish some of our normal habits.”  future. With an out of service of 2060, 2070 so there is plenty of development,
production, and support required for many years to come. “
8 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD INTERVIEW INTERVIEW 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 9

Evolution of How important is the Long-Term Evolu-

tion (LTE) Study in the history
of Eurofighter?

Eurofighter Taking
The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Study repre-
sents a revolution for Eurofighter Typhoon.
It's not about adding new software capa-
bilities, it's a redesign of the aircraft for the
next 40 years. It’s a whole new chapter for
Eurofighter.

Shape
What is the current situation?

The LTE Study period started in 2019 and is

due to be completed by the end of this year.
This phase has given the nations time to
decide and agree on the direction they want
to go. What’s clear is that the changing
geopolitical situation has meant everyone is
looking at their challenges and requirements
with real urgency. The Study will lead to an
agreement with the customer about what to
focus on during the Technology Maturation
Phase which will be carried out over the
next three years.

What will happen in the Technology

Maturation Phase?
Fabio Michael Boscolo, Vice President Eurofighter LTE Campaign & Strategy, CSFE
The aim of the maturation work is to de-risk
and mature the required technologies be-
fore the final decision is taken on the exact technologies — around the same kinds of receive targeting information in real time
configuration of an LTE Eurofighter. All the themes: processing, artificial intelligence, and will need to be connected in a network.
key technologies, including cockpit, the avi- cyber resilience, communication, and rapid All this information will need to be pro-
onics solution, as well as a series of basic capability, or technology insertion. For cessed, fused, and presented in the opti-
technology enablers will be matured in the Eurofighter it’s about having much more mum manner to the pilot. It will require high
most enriching environment, potentially up powerful and agile architectures. speed data networks to ensure the band-
to flight testing. width availability for the data transmission
What role will Eurofighter have in the from pods and antennas, shear processing
What are the key changes we will see? system of systems? power and a state-of-the-art cockpit.

Shaping an answer to that is what this work We are working to a number of key opera- Operational flexibility, further increasing
is all about. We are designing an aircraft to- tional scenarios which have been set by the Eurofighter’s swing role capabilities’ will be
day which will have to be mission proof for nations. These give us a set of parameters part of LTE, too.
40 years and that is a big task. You need about what they expect and what they need
to make sure that what you are designing Eurofighter to be. What are the main challenges?
is good for the job that Eurofighter needs
to do. And when you are looking so far into We know that Eurofighter will not be a Day Some of the technologies we are looking
the future even identifying the true needs One weapon — it’s not stealthy — but it will at are currently very immature in terms of
for the weapon system within a system of be in a contested environment and it will be their readiness level but we need to look at
systems is a challenge in itself. Plus we are capable of performing several roles. them because we want to be able to future
not going to draw on a blank sheet. proof the LTE aircraft as much as possible.
What are the key attributes the Euro- As ever, there is a balance to be found here.
How will the LTE Eurofighter fit with fighter LTE will need?
FCAS or Tempest? We are talking about maturing technolo-
Everything will be data driven and data gies, potentially up to flight testing within
LTE will be a bridge to the respective future hungry. So, the short answer is processing three years. To do it in this time frame is
combat air systems – and be available power. Eurofighter LTE will host top class ambitious and will require a significant
between five and 10 years earlier than they sensors, starting from the new electronic reshaping of the organizational model, as
are. scan radars, and will want to maximize their well as in the processes. What we need to
content by elaborating and fusing data pro- do is ensure that in all the areas – avionics,
The teams working on LTE and the future vided by all the sources. As an example, a cockpit, airframe, aerodynamics — we in-
combat air systems will be thinking about pilot will need to receive radar images from troduce something which is valuable for the
taking advantage of precisely the same his own or other aircraft in real time, to customers for the next 40 years. 
10 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD EXPORT EXPORT 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 11

© Picture by Alessandro Maggia

The first Kuwait delivery was celebrated One that involved all the disciplines that in the Eurofighter 10 Year Plan. All future
across the Eurofighter community but complete the big picture — from the avion- programmes will use this as a baseline for

A Mighty Challenge
especially for those who had been directly ics, flight control systems and through to introducing the new capabilities. Indeed,
involved like Maurizio Fornaiolo the Euro- the integration of the new stores. The work even as we were delivering the initial
fighter Vice President Kuwait & P3Eb and touched every single discipline involved in aircraft, we were also working to progress
his team. the Eurofighter programme. future clearances to update the weapons
For them the challenges involved in get- system capabilities for the customer. So,
ting to this stage were significant, not least CREATING A NEW BASELINE the show goes on.”

Overcome
because the programme developed the While the programme headlines have As the delivery team included Eurofight-
most up-to-date configuration in Eurofighter focused on the new customer, Kuwait, er, the Eurofighter Partner Companies —
history. Maurizio points out that it is not a pure ex- Leonardo, Airbus Germany, BAE Systems
“The aircraft has a new suite of capabil- port programme. It is qualified and certified and Airbus Spain — as well as NETMA,
ities, and the integration challenges were under the Eurofighter four-nation umbrella it led to an approach which broke down
huge,” says Maurizio. “We created a new (Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain) because boundaries across nations, across compa-
block (standard) clearance, we introduced a P3Eb (the formal name of the programme) is nies and across cultures.
new E-Scan radar for the first time, and we a NETMA contract. The team is looking forward to building
updated the avionics configuration to the He says this new standard will form the on the foundations it has created. Says
latest standard.” baseline for the core nation programme. Maurizio. “We are not at the end of a jour-
Given the ultimate goal, the programme “We have now established a weapons ney, we are at the beginning of a
represented a huge engineering challenge. system capability and that is a key first step new era!” 
© Picture by Alessandro Maggia
14 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD AIR POLICING AIR POLICING 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 15

Air Policing:
Two Nations Side by Side
German Eurofighter Typhoons at Ämari Air Base, © Luftwaffe

Established in 2004 as a defensive peace- has been helping develop a new ‘Plug and The first such mission was a collaboration
time measure, the aim of the NATO Baltic Fight’ concept to enhance the interoperabil- between the Bundeswehr and the UK Royal Air
Air Policing mission is to protect the integ- ity between the Eurofighter Typhoon nations Force in 2019 in Ämari, Estonia, followed by an-
rity of the Baltic airspace and the adjacent within the Alliance. other improving step in 2020 at the same loca-
international airspace. The Bundeswehr Created jointly by the German Air Force tion. Last year the two forces combined again,
has been involved in the Baltic Air Polic- and the UK Royal Air Force, Plug and Fight for the first time at Constanta in Romania.
ing since 2005 and the first Eurofighter sees small contingents supplement the Earlier this year, the Bundeswehr took
Typhoons took part in 2009. Since 2014, forces of the respective lead nation. It is part in the NATO enhanced air policing south
the German Armed Forces, have sent a based on the existing capabilities of the mission in Romania with a new partner — the
detachment every year. In recent years it lead nation to reduce the logistical effort. Italian Air Force.
RAF Typhoon on take off during a training sortie from MK
Airbase in Romania. © MoD Crown Copyright

Two German Eurofighter Typhoons taking off from Ämari Air Base, © Luftwaffe

In this case, three Eurofighters from WHAT IS PLUG AND FIGHT?

the Tactical Air Force Squadron 74 from
Neuburg an der Donau reinforced the oper- In practical terms it sees an existing
ational contingent of the Italian Aeronautica deployment from one of the two nations,
Militare. The rotation took place between supplemented by the second nation with a
February and March. minimal technical and logistical footprint.
Combat aircraft from the alliance nations The augmenting nation uses as many of the
were stationed at the Romanian military lead nation’s resources as possible,
base Mihael Kogalniceanu near the city of including personnel support and ground
Constanta on the Black Sea. support equipment.
True to the Plug and Fight concept The objective behind is to establish the
German and Italian aircraft completed Quick capability to deploy, command and control
Reaction Alert protective flights together. Eurofighter contingents. In addition, it
The usual two-ship formation was com- allows air forces to complement each other
posed of an Italian and a German Euro- during exercises and operational commit-
fighter. ments through short-notice provision of
The two nations were able to harmonize small detachments — hence Plug and Fight
seamlessly as they had already taken part capability.
in joint training flights over Baltic airspace at
the beginning of 2021.
Plug and Fight is seen as a step- WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
ping-stone towards a homogeneous, bi-na-
tional task force and will be an important Plug and Fight provides significantly in-
focus during the upcoming eight month creased interoperability within a few days
enhanced Baltic Air Policing commitment multinational military operations can be
beginning in August this year. conducted. It offers:
In order to include all the NATO Euro- • High flexibility
fighter nations in the concept, a contingent • Quicker reaction times
of Spanish Air Force aircraft will link up with • Reduces costs
Luftwaffe in Ämari in the autumn.  • Reduces logistical resources
EUROFIGHTER STARS AT TOP GUN:
MAVERICK LONDON PREMIERE
The Eurofighter Typhoon played a starring role on the red carpet at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in London’s
Leicester Square in May.
Supplied by BAE Systems, the full scale replica was the main attraction at the dazzling event, with videos and
photos published around the globe.
Tom Cruise, the lead actor, was joined by the movie’s cast, as well as a host of VIP guests and celebrities
including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
18 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD PEOPLE PEOPLE 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 19

High Flyer Nat's

New Horizon
"Being a Typhoon pilot in Eurofighter means
I act as the voice of
the operator."
Photo: © Charly Hodges

For much of the last decade Nat has gone ational pilots from the national air forces Then in 2002 he was posted to the
to work in an office that can travel at twice of Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. This United States Air Force to Eglin Air Force
the speed of sound. And, now, while he’s group looks at aspects of the design, like Base, Florida, as an experimental test
After learning to fly in 1985 swapped the cockpit for a more traditional the cockpits and avionics, to help further pilot carrying out weapons development,
office in Eurofighter’s Munich HQ, he still develop the aircraft. predominantly on the F-16. The US left a
Nat Makepeace spent the has a unique role that draws on all that lasting impression not least of the skill and
experience. A LIFE IN THE COCKPIT knowledge of the pilots he worked with.
next 35 years in various “Being a Typhoon pilot in Eurofighter Nat has lived and breathed fast jets for
FLYING SOLO
cockpits clocking up means I act as the voice of the operator,”
says Nat. “I do the job because I want to
most of his adult life. Inspired by the aircraft
flying over his boyhood home in Yorkshire, On his return to the UK in 2005 Nat left the
nearly 5,500 flying hours, make the product better for the operators.
Helping them get the product they want is
he learned to fly at Blackpool Airport in
1985, whilst still at Southampton University
RAF and took his skills into industry. He
joined BAE Systems, initially working on
predominantly in fighter important and the complexity is such that where he was studying aeronautics and the Hawk programme and spent a lot of
the guys writing the code can’t possibly astronautics. After joining the Royal Air time overseas, including a Middle East and
jets. Today, he passes know what all the operators are going to Force in 1987 he carried out basic flying Europe tour with the Red Arrows.
use the product for. training before progressing to RAF Valley for Another key career milestone arrived
on all this knowledge “You could almost call me a consultant advanced flying training and then becoming in 2008 when Nat started flying Typhoon.
within the business. It’s a very interesting a flying instructor. Two years later he was appointed Project
and experience to help role. I support all the programmes on tech- “After Valley my career took me onto Pilot responsible for Typhoon, a role which
nical matters, give briefings to programme the Tornado and I was stationed at RAF included several firsts: he piloted the first
Eurofighter programme management teams, and liaise with my Bruggen in Germany for five years. While flight of the P1E standard jet, the first flight

teams deliver the best counterparts within NETMA, our customer

organisation. The rest of my role involves
there I spent over a year flying over Iraq in a
peace-keeping role.”
of a Tranche Three aircraft, fired the first
Meteors missiles from Typhoon, and also
possible product. helping on programmes and trying to help
engineering and operators.”
At the end of 1998, Nat’s RAF career
took a turn that would have a lasting impact
dropped Storm Shadow and fired Brimstone
during test flights.
The job at Eurofighter means Nat is still when he secured a place at the Empire Says Nat: “I spent a lot of time transit-
in regular contact with the men and women Test Pilot School and became a test pilot. ing Typhoon around the world and during
who fly the aircraft both from industry and Following graduation Nat Joined the RAF’s that role flew regularly with the RAF’s 41
from the air force community. He plays a Fast Jet Test Squadron where he worked on Test and Evaluation Squadron, carrying out
pivotal role organising two committees: the Tornado GR4 upgrade and several other operational and development tests flying
first, the Joint Flight Ops, which is made programmes. He also ran the Research and with them.”
up of the project pilots from the four Development flight where he did a lot of He was even in the public eye from
industry partner companies (BAE Sys- work on helmet display technology. Nat’s time to time. He says: “I was lucky enough
tems, Airbus Germany, Airbus Spain and team became one of the first in the world, to display Typhoon at the Farnborough
Leonardo), and second, the JCORD, which to fly with a helmet mounted display inside International Air Show in 2010 in its heavy
Photos: brings together project pilots plus oper- night vision goggles. configuration with real bombs and 
© BAE Systems
20 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD PEOPLE PEOPLE 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 21

in 2011 displayed at the Dubai Air Show “I love flying, but after 34 years and quite a lot of time talking to the programme People working in Eurofighter get an The ability to prioritise is important too, might be reviewing classified tapes and
and in Malaysia. Then in 2016, I also dis- over 5,000 flying hours, I always knew it teams and the strategy teams. It's my amazing opportunity to learn about the big as is the ability to communicate a simple briefing programme managers and board
played the ‘Centurion Fit’ Typhoon at RIAT would come to an end. That said, in some knowledge of the platform and the experi- picture and see that it’s about more than message to decision makers. My rule is that members. Another day will see him attend-
and Farnborough — winning the Steedman ways the skills needed in this role are very ence of what it's really like to fly that's key. just the product we're working on.” if I have a one-hour presentation to make ing technical meetings or liaising with the
Display Sword at the former.” similar to when I was a Project Pilot but the In this role you have to look at things from Nat says that one of the key attributes the maximum number of slides I should customer about a design assessment.
Such was his standing within the test emphasis is different. It's still about trying the point of view of every person involved in needed to be successful in the current job have is four." However, while diary demands may vary,
flying elite, Nat was called to become a Fel- to bring the aircraft to life for people who the programme.” is to form good relationships. “Very often As for a typical day. Well, forget that Nat’s motivation is constant: his primary fo-
low of the prestigious invitation-only Society have never flown it but, whereas at BAE Nat says that as well as bringing a fresh my job is all about getting the right people notion. It varies from current day problems cus is on the man or woman in the cockpit
of Experimental Test Pilots. Systems I was focused on pure technical challenge the new role has also brought talking to the right people at the right time. to looking at the future strategy and things and translating the technical engineering
discussions, my current role has far broader him an appreciation of the wider Eurofighter Understanding who needs to like the Long Term Evolution difficulties into priorities.
A FRESH CHALLENGE scope. enterprise. connect with whom and Study. On any “Having a focus on the operator and
In 2019, Nat brought all that knowledge and “Yes, I still work in a technical capacity He explains: “As a test pilot and an op- when is vital. one day their role is important if we are to produce a
experience to Eurofighter when he took up for the Chief Engineer, but I also spend erational pilot, you're only looking at things he better product. Whatever the task it always
the job as Head of Operational Factors. from the cockpit perspective. Coming to comes back to that.” 
Eurofighter you get to see the different
national political aspects up close and the
commercial reality much clearer. It helps
you truly understand the complexity of the
programme.

NAT’S
FLYING COLOURS

 5,300 flying hours, the vast

majority on fighters

 1,250 flying hours on

Typhoon

 1,800 Tornado flying hours

 40+ Different aircraft types

flown

 20 Different air forces

worked with

© BAE SYSTEMS Warton

24 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD EKZ EKZ 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 25

Germany’s One Team Approach a Winner

Based in Manching, Not many people can

say their career has
The aircraft GT001 (GT
stands for German

Bavaria, the Eurofighter spanned a nation’s

entire combat aircraft
Trainer) was delivered
to the German Air Force

Kooperation Zelle production run. Christian

Dotzauer can. When it comes
School of Engineering No.1
in Kaufbeuren, where it was

(EKZ) is a ground- to Eurofighter production, Chris-

tian has been there, seen it and worn the
used to train ground personnel.
“I am proud that I can say that I have

breaking collaboration blue overalls.

After joining the German Air Force (GAF)
been here for the entire series production,”
he says. “I’ve also been here for the delivery

between Airbus and in 1993, he went on to serve for 12 years,

predominantly working as Crew Chief on the
of every aircraft to our neighbour Austria.
It is an honour for me to work on this pro-

the German Air Force F-4F Phantom in the GAF squadron TaktLwG
74 in Neuburg in South Germany. Highlights
gramme.”
“Of course, when you have been around

(Luftwaffe). With around included training missions overseas, which

took Christian to Sardinia, Portugal, the
the programme so long you become the
‘go-to’ person. When new people join the

200 people, the EKZ United States and Canada — before taking
up a new challenge in industry.
team, they tend to come to me when they
have questions. But when I started it was

provides technical and “The end of my service in 2003 coincided

with the start of the Eurofighter programme
really all new territory for me. I had to make
a transition from the air force to civilian

logistical support for in Manching,” he says. “It was a one-time

chance to be part of a Serial Instruction Pilot
life, and from F-4F Phantom to Eurofighter,
so I really had to rely on my new Airbus

in-service Eurofighter Training project — essentially, the pilot and

technician training involving both the industry
colleagues. They were very familiar with the
Eurofighter prototypes and trained me on

combat aircraft. We and the German Air Force. I was lucky.”

Christian joined the industry team just
the new weapons system. Even back then
there was very close cooperation between

discovered more about before the world’s first series production

Eurofighter jet took off on its maiden flight
the industry team and the air force and the
working relationship was very good.” 

it from German Air from Manching on 13 February 2003.

Force Master Sergeant Fully rigged in Dock 8: In the Airbus flight operations hangar, the 31+15 receives an 800 flight hour

Chris Limpächer, an inspection and new modifications. © Bundeswehr / Max-Joseph Kronenbitter

Avionic-Tester, and
Airbus’ Christian
Dotzauer, a crew chief
and mechanic.

Christian Dotzauer Chris Limpächer

26 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD EKZ EKZ 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 27

WE LEARN FROM EACH OTHER “That’s where the co-operation with

That partnership — solidified with the industry has been valuable. I really like the
founding of the EKZ EF — continues today. environment here. Working alongside indus-
And it’s as important as ever. German Air try, is different to the way things work in the
Force Master Sergeant Chris Limpächer, Bundeswehr. But obviously I am still in the
an Avionic-Tester, is part of the unit in army and must fulfil those duties too. It’s like
Manching. He says: “There are strong syn- having two jobs!”
ergies between the Air Force and Airbus. Christian says understanding the Air
We learn from each other. As soldiers we Force perspective also helps his crew chief
learn from the industry and get to see from role: “Having the background knowledge
them how the aircraft is built. Of course, it is very useful because when a pilot is
works the other way around too. Our indus- describing a problem you need to have a
try colleagues learn from the people who good all-round understanding of the aircraft.
fly the aircraft and who can flag up new The good thing is that here you have people
issues, because they have an operational around you who understand the whole
understanding of what's required.” aircraft.
This pooling and exchange of knowledge “Of course, I’ve worked in the aerospace
is what makes the EKZ such an effective industry for 30 years and experienced many
collaborative effort. Says Chris: “In my team highs and lows, but we have a simple mantra
— the Tester team — there are three soldiers — never give up. We know that, together as
from the Air Force and around 30 Airbus a team, we will be able to solve the challeng-
people. In other areas of the centre the num- es and problems that come our way.”
bers are different but whatever the function,
we all work side by side.” A TEAM WITH A MISSION
Chris actually started his working life There’s a real sense of pride and purpose
training to be a car mechanic but decided among members of the EKZ.
to join the army because he felt it would be As crew chief, Christian’s job comes with
a better long-term career. After joining the great responsibility. His is the last signature
Bundeswehr as an apprentice aircraft me- on the paperwork (the Flight Service Certifi-
chanic in Rostock/Laage (North Germany) in cate) before the pilot gets into the cockpit.
the GAF squadron TaktLwG 73 , his four-year “You must take the job seriously,” he
apprenticeship took him all over Germany. says. “The German Air Force is tasked with
Then, within a few weeks of completing it, securing the borders of NATO countries.
he was deployed to Sardinia. He says: “It That is only possible if the pilots are well
was the first time I worked on the Eurofighter, trained, if the aircraft is working well and if it
and it was very exciting. It was an interesting is maintained the way it should be. Obvi-
experience not least because I was working ously, we are a part of the big picture but if
alongside Italians, seeing a different culture, we don't work together, don't maintain the
and a completely different way of working.” aircraft and if it’s not ready to fly, then the
I really enjoyed the corporation between the borders can’t be secured.”
different countries.” Chris agrees that it’s a job with significant
On his return to Laage, Chris was en- responsibilities. “Every job is important, but
couraged to develop his knowledge further the Eurofighter programme is a special one.
and he became a leader of the High Fre- There's a serious side to what the Eurofighter
quency Technology team. Then after learning A TYPICAL (FLIGHT OPERATION) the work we’ve done to solve them. The represents. Everyone working on the aircraft
about the EKZ from other colleagues, he DAY FOR A CREW CHIEF THROUGH pilot discusses the test points he has to has to act responsibly because the pilots
volunteered to be transferred. In Manching, THE EYES OF CHRISTIAN carry out during the flight. Then I sign the operate in very difficult and often dangerous
Chris was testing all the aircraft’s different DOTZAUER paperwork that states the aircraft is fit to situations.”
systems, which meant expanding his under- fly and hand it to the pilot. At that point the Today the Eurofighter programme is
standing further. responsibility for the aircraft transfers to entering a new phase, following the Quadriga
“What I find interesting about the cor- Flight safety is paramount in everything we do. the pilot. contract which will see 38 new Eurofighter
poration is that you get to learn how the Test work starts on the day before the flight Before the pilot enters the cockpit, jets built for the German Air Force. They will
aircraft’s systems are connected and inter- with the registration of the aircraft he does a final walk around. During this be the most up to date European combat
linked,” he says. “You’re not solely focussed On the day itself, work starts at 6am. “See Off” inspection, a number of checks aircraft ever with a service life well beyond
on one system, which you can be in the Air We carry out a series of pre-flight checks. are carried out with running engines. If 2060.
Force. Instead, you get the whole overview. This means checking the aircraft from the everything is okay, the pilot taxis to the It means Christian, Chris and the rest
Working here also creates shared connec- outside and inside the cockpit including the “Last Chance Check”, which is carried out of the EKZ will be busy for many years to
tions and experiences between people. So ejection seat. Once everything is checked, I by the crew chief before the Eurofighter come! 
even when Air Force colleagues move on to sign the documents and report the aircraft takes off for its test flight.
bases, they can still tap into the knowledge ready for flight at the Flight Operations Typically, the flight time is 50 to 70
of the teams here. Centre. minutes and during that time my team and
Then the main pre-flight briefing takes I are on standby in the hangar. Then, on
place. This includes members of the ground the aircraft’s return, there’s another ‘see in’
crew, the pilot and the flight test engineer. inspection, before the debriefing when the
Here, we discuss any maintenance required pilot talks through how the flight went.
on the aircraft may have had previously and
28 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD FCAS FCAS 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 29

How important is the Eurofighter So, how exactly will Eurofighter evolve
programme for European defence — what is the next step on this
industries? process?

Eurofighter remains the lead defence pro- It’s clear that we need to continue the

Shaping
gramme in Europe. It was founded to bring capability development of Typhoon to
Europe’s military aircraft industries together ensure that the aircraft maintains optimum
and, when you look to the future, such col- operational performance in the 2040s,
laboration is more important than ever. 2050 and beyond. As we look to these
future decades and consider the threat en-
This industrial footprint will be vironment, the four core-nations (Germany,
further strengthened through Spain, UK and Italy) and their respective

the Future
the Eurofighter programme to industry partners (Airbus; Leonardo; BAE
ensure Europe can take on Systems), alongside teams from Eurofighter
future challenges and support and NETMA, have been managing a Long
co-operation programmes. Term Evolution (LTE) study to agree how
How? Well, looking at the we collectively deliver the required capabil-
requirements of the air forces ities. We will maintain this positive dialogue
across Europe, it’s clear that and drive a consistent approach towards
you need a stable platform meeting future threats while satisfying the
like Typhoon where you can respective national interests.
mature future technologies.
Wolfgang Gammel
For example, in areas like en- As these LTE study conclusions are for-
With a track-record hanced communications, additional weap-
ons or airborne electronic attack, capability
malised over the coming months there are
already discussions about bringing forward
of operational can only be developed if we have a stable
industrial foundation — and this is secured
additional capabilities, including new
weapon integration under what’s known as
delivery across by the Eurofighter programme. P4E. Beyond this, we aim to deliver greater
processing power, new computers and
five European air How is the Eurofighter programme
currently performing?
new avionics, to effectively future-proof Ty-
phoon. The platform will have the required
forces, Eurofighter From an in-service perspective, we are
computing power to maintain effective
operations over the coming decades.
remains central doing a very good job with high availabil-
ity rates across the airforces. Just before How does the Typhoon remain a key
to the continued Christmas we met a significant landmark
when we delivered the first two aircraft
asset for the German Air Force and
other Air Forces?
development of the equipped with E-Scan radar to Kuwait.
And later this year we will have another big Without a doubt. Germany has made
continent’s military milestone to celebrate with the delivery of
the first production aircraft to Qatar.
significant investments into Eurofighter
in the last two and a half years. First, in
aerospace industrial Where does Eurofighter fit as nations
the shape of the E-Scan radar upgrade
contract for its Tranche two and three fleet.
base. Eurofighter look to future combat systems? Then with the Quadriga contract award —
the replacement of Tranche one aircraft
Chief Operating We're in the early stages of the next gen-
eration fighter development across Europe,
with 38 Tranche four jets. These contracts
underscore the nation’s strong commit-
Officer Programmes, but regardless of whether a nation goes for
FCAS or Tempest, it’s clear Typhoon will
ment to Typhoon and signal to the world
that Germany will fly the aircraft for many
Wolfgang Gammel, be vital to developing a platform capable of
dealing with future threats.
decades to come. It’s a message that
others have taken note of.
explains how For example, we know that success in In addition, we strongly believe there are
Eurofighter Typhoon a future threat environment will demand
a different way of communicating. But
opportunities for second batch orders from
existing customers in the Middle East. Now
has a key role to to mature the necessary technology we
need to invest and start the development
we can offer more capabilities, I'm sure
there are chances for us to secure more
play in shaping now. Once matured it can then to be
brought onto Typhoon and later onto the
orders.

technology from next generation fighter. Developing new

technologies from scratch — under normal
Another big opportunity for us this year
is the decision by the German govern-
here through to the development cycles of pre-development,
development, prototyping and production
ment over the German Air Force Tornado
replacement. We believe Eurofighter can
next generation — brings high risk. Typhoon will de-risk
this cycle.
deliver the required capabilities in the given
timescale and we are looking forward for
combat air solutions. this decision. 
© Andreas Zeitler
32 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 33

The ANDREAS ZEITLER

Power Photographer

in the “I’m technically-oriented — I want people

to see and experience the same scene as
I have seen it,” says Andreas who started
learning about aviation photography in the

Raw
late 1990s.
“The biggest compliment I receive is
when people don’t believe I have taken cer-
tain photos, but 'photoshopped' them.
“The truth is I don’t like spending too
much time on my computer, tweaking pho-
tos or applying filters. My aim is to produce
a technically perfect photo, which will fit the
need of its future use. Some of my photos
are printed on walls or tents, 4m wide, so I
need a sharp photo.
“I also aim for technically difficult photos

Experienced and here it’s amazing how camera technol-

ogy has evolved. Nowadays you can mount

aviation small action cameras on the outside of an

aircraft that provide image quality which is

photographer, good enough for magazine double spreads.

The autofocus is ridiculously good. Like-

Andreas Zeitler, wise, the image sensors are so sensitive

that it has opened up a whole new world of

doesn’t like to night photography. Even in pitch black you

can take great results if your exposure time

spend hours on is long enough.”

Andreas, whose work has appeared in

Photoshop to the likes of Flug Revue, Air Forces Month-

ly, J-Wings out of Japan, and Flugzeug

come up with the Classic, as well as a host of other com-

mercial organisations, says buying his first

‘perfect’ image. digital DSLR camera around 2004 was a

gamechanger.

For him it’s about He says: “This is when it turned into a

serious hobby. I would not call it a career,

trying to ‘show but it is a serious hobby – one that has pro-

fessional aspects. I invest a great amount of

performance and time and effort into my aviation photography

but I also have a full-time job in the aviation

raw power’ but in industry.”

In the hands of talented people like

a realistic way. Andreas, aviation photography can produce

some incredible results but getting the per-
fect shot isn’t easy. Access is limited, then
there are safety constraints and even when
you have planned every aspect, something
might go wrong at the 11th hour which
prevents the shot. 
34 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY 2022 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 35

“Photojournalist Robert Capa famously

said: ‘If your pictures aren't good enough,
you aren't close enough’. Of course, getting
close is not easy as Air Forces are very
reluctant to give access to their airbases.
“Getting the right shot depends on
trying to orchestrate many different moving
parts. If one element fails, the whole thing
doesn't work. It happens. On the special
days everything works out but even so, you
always need a bit of luck too, along with
weeks, sometimes even months of prepa-
ration, but that's quickly forgotten once you
get that one shot.”
As author of the self-published ‘10 Years
of Eurofighter On Luftwaffe Service’, it’s
natural that the star of many of Andre-
as’ photos is Eurofighter. He says: “I like
Eurofighter’s power. The two engines in
reheat look very good on photos, especially
when it's dark. It can also pull a lot of G
force, and during an airshow display under
the right conditions you see a lot of 'vapor
clouds'.
“The delta wing is a very nice feature
which on photos makes the aircraft look
very fast, and you can work with that. It
can also change its look quite a bit. You
can have a slim and sleek jet, built for air
superiority. But then if you load it up with
weapons, then it really becomes a truck,
which is an interesting aspect as well.”
For Andreas, aviation photography is
a labour of love that has taken him to five
continents, and more than 70 countries.
“It has also taken me to 40,000ft several
times, with Eurofighters posing in front of
a perfectly clear and deep blue sky. It has
been a real pleasure to work with them in
this 3rd dimension! I would be very happy
to repeat this anytime.” 
Eurofighter Typhoon – developed by Europe, for Europe.

www.eurofighter.com Effective Proven Trusted