LONDON — The initial Tranche 2 standard of the Eurofighter Typhoon has received type acceptance from the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).

Type acceptance clears the way for delivery of the Block 8 standard of the aircraft to the four partner nations: Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. All four already have the Tranche 1 aircraft in operational service in the air defense role. The Royal Air Force previously has had a declared air-to-surface capability with some Tranche 1 aircraft.

Some 60 Block 8 standard airframes are already in final assembly at Eurofighter partner company sites. The Tranche 2 production run — covering 251 aircraft — is due to be completed in 2013.

The intent is that Tranche 2 production will overlap with that of Tranche 3 to avoid a production gap. Tranche 3 production is due to begin in 2012. An industry proposal covering Tranche 3 production has been sent to NETMA, with the former hoping a deal can be signed by the end of this year or early 2009.

The Block 8 aircraft have more powerful mission computers, providing more processing power.

Photo: Arpingstone via Wikipedia