
Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon
Europe's jointly developed fourth generation fighter has a canard-delta wing configuration with a single, tall vertical stabiliser. The canards are placed below the cockpit and have a significant anhedral. Just behind and below are the two rectangular air intakes, at the bottom of the fuselage. Plates above and below the air intakes regulate the air flow. These air intakes are one of the clear recognition points of the EF2000. The single wheel main gear retracts rearward in between the air intakes. Other less prominent features are a bubble canopy and two engine exhausts next to each other, and the end of the fuselage.
Different versions
The different versions of the Eurofighter Typhoon can be distinguished by:
- the size of the canopy
- the presence of an infrared sensor between the canopy and canard, on the left side
EF2000 & Typhoon F2
These are both original single seat versions of the Eurofighter, bearing the factory designation EF2000. However, in the United Kingdom they are known as Typhoon F2. Externally they look like on the header photo.
EF2000, F-2000A & Typhoon FGR4
The updated versions are still designated EF2000, but received different designations in Italy (F-2000A) and the UK (Typhoon FGR4). The main difference compared to the Typhoon F2 is the addition of an infrared sensor on the left side of the nose, in between the canopy and canard. Saudi EF2000s have the same sensor.
EF2000(T) & Typhoon T1
Except for the two seat canopy the EF2000(T), known as Typhoon T1 in the Royal Air Force, is externally the same as the EF2000/Typhoon F2.
TF-2000A & Typhoon T3
The Italian and British dual seat Typhoons have the same infrared sensor as the F-2000A and Typhoon FGR4. They are designated TF-2000A and Typhoon T3 respectively.
The infrared sensor on this two seater Eurofighter is clearly visible, making this a Typhoon T3. (photo: Alan Wilson/WikiMedia)
Confusion possible with
British Aerospace EAP
The EAP was the British Aerospace technology demonstrator for the Experimental Aircraft Programme, that formed the basis for the EF2000. Not surprisingly they look similar. The EAP has a lower vertical stabiliser, non-tilted air intakes and double delta wings. (photo: Hugh Llewelyn/WikiMedia)
Chengdu J-10
This Chinese fighter has the same general appearance as the Typhoon but has a single engine, fed by a single rectangular air intake underneath the fuselage. Also, the canards are behind the canopy. (photo: Aktug Ates/WikiMedia)
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale was developed in the same time as the Typhoon and they share many characteristics. The main difference is in the air intakes: those of the Rafale have an oval shape and are placed diagonally against the fuselage instead of underneath the fuselage. Also, the Rafale has a double wheel nose gear.
IAI Lavi
The Lavi of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) could be mistaken for a dual seat Eurofighter. The air intake is oval and similar to that of the F-16. Moreover, this delta wing with canards fighter is powered by one engine and has huge ventral fins. (photo: Israeli Air Force/WikiMedia)