First Spanish "Typhoon" Fighter Jet, Halcon I, Rolls Out
The first Eurofighter "Typhoon" fighter jet for Spain's "Halcon" I program has completed assembly at Airbus's Getafe facility near Madrid. The aircraft is now ready for engine testing and its maiden flight, representing a significant upgrade from earlier models.
Airbus announced on Monday that the first Eurofighter "Typhoon" fighter jet for Spain's "Halcon" I program has rolled out from the company's facility in Getafe, Madrid. The aircraft is now prepared for upcoming engine testing and its maiden flight.
This unit is the latest version of the fourth batch (Tranche 4) of the "Typhoon" series and is the first of 20 aircraft ordered by Spain in June 2022. Compared to previous models that Spain has operated since 2003, the new variant features significant upgrades in its avionics and weapons systems. Initial deliveries of the first three aircraft are expected to commence later this year, with full deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.
The aircraft's maximum speed exceeds Mach 2, equivalent to approximately 2495 kilometers per hour. The Airbus facility in Getafe has been responsible for assembling, testing, and delivering "Typhoon" fighter jets to Spain since 2003.
A key upgrade includes the E-Scan radar, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system. Unlike older radars, the AESA system electronically controls the radar beam using a large number of transmit/receive modules. This enables simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, rapid switching between air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and reduces the probability of detection by enemy electronic systems. The radar can also perform electronic warfare against enemy sensors.
Spain's new fighter jets will be equipped with "Meteor" air-to-air missiles, boasting a range exceeding 100 kilometers, offering a longer engagement distance than the AMRAAM missiles used on older "Typhoon" variants. Additionally, they will be fitted with "Brimstone III" missiles for precision ground attacks. The Halcon I fighters are set to replace aging F-18 "Hornet" jets at the Spanish Air Force's base in Gando, Canary Islands.