Avionics system used to release Paveway IV bomb from Typhoon aircraft

Posted by John McHaleWARTON, England, 9 March 2011. The first ever release of a Paveway IV precision guided bomb from a Typhoon aircraft, using the avionics system to safely release the weapon, has been achieved in an hour long test flight over the Aberporth Range in Wales. The test is part of an ongoing program to integrate Paveway IV onto the aircraft and builds on the environmental and jettison trials which have already been performed. The integration of Paveway IV is part of the Typhoon Future Capability upgrade."This was a successful test flight demonstrating the avionics system is able to use global positioning system (GPS) data and target information sourced from the aircraft to prepare for the release," says Typhoon Test Pilot Nat Makepeace. "All communication with the aircraft and safe release of the bomb went to plan."Paveway IV is a highly accurate, precision guided bomb capable of minimising collateral damage. It is low cost and will provide Typhoon pilots all-weather, day, and night precision capability. Paveway IV is expected to be provided to England's Ministry of Defence (MOD) early in 2012 when the RAF will start operational evaluation.This work further demonstrates the systems integration capabilities of the BAE Systems Typhoon team. These skills are essential for the continued development of the Typhoon aircraft. The team is working closely with the MOD, the Eurofighter partner nations and Raytheon on this development program.