Kimaco Typhoon
| Kimaco Typhoon | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A frontal view of a Typhoon 50 during an LRSSG Weapon School training in 1995 | |
| General information | |
| Role | Multirole light fighter |
| National origin | Multinational |
| Manufacturer | Kimaco Group Aeronautics Systems |
| Service | |
| Number built | N/A |
| History | |
| First flight | 13 March 1984 |
| In service | 1986–present |
| Developed from | SAFAL Ouragan |
| Variations | Kimaco Hurricane |
The Kimaco Typhoon is an Ecrosian multinational twin-engine, multirole light fighter initially developed and manufactured by Société Aéronautique Falcifère before it was handed over to Kimaco Group. It was developed from the SAFAL Ouragan, a Lightweight Fighter (LWF) technology evaluation aircraft that lost to the Kimaco Hurricane. The Typhoon was developed primarily for export, as its predecessor having already been defeated in a service competition. Nonetheless, due to its striking likeness to the Maroto Botín FA-13, the Typhoon is in service with the Montesayettean Air and Space Force (AAEM) in small numbers as an aggressor aircraft.
There is no evidence that the Ouragan inspired the FA-13, but there are several ways in which the Typhoon differs from the FA-13, the most noticeable of which is that it is lighter, more agile, and was not strengthened for carrier service. It features lighter landing gear, no wing folding mechanism, a land-based tail hook, reduced part thickness, and a smaller fuel capacity than the FA-13. It also lacked fuel in its wings and weapons stations on its intakes. Instead, each side featured three underwing pylons. It was also designed to handle 9 g of design loads, compared to 7.5 g for the FA-13.
Contents
History
Design
Operational history
Variants
Production
Typhoon 50
- The Typhoon 50 is the initial export variant. Available in both single- and two-seater configurations, it is a twin-engine, multirole light fighter.
- Typhoon 51 – Variant of the Typhoon 50 used by the Montesayettean Air and Space Force in the role of an aggressor aircraft, simulating enemy fighters. Delivered between 1986 and 1989. Officially designated as the Typhoon FGR.1.
Typhoon 60
- Upgraded export version that replaced the Typhoon 50. It introduces several enhancements, including a newly-designed mechanically-scanned APG-66(V)2A radar system, a more powerful General Electric F404-GE-402 afterburning turbofan engine, a self-protection jammer, an advanced ejection seat, night vision goggles, and two full-color multi-function displays (MFDs) with a color moving map. Avionics have been improved to enhance target acquisition in poor visibility conditions. Additionally, the two-seater Typhoon 60 models feature a rear seat optimized for a weapon systems officer to support weapon system operations.
- Typhoon 61 – The Typhoon 61 is an export variant developed for the Monsilvan Air Force, which currently holds the largest Typhoon fleet. While the overall design remains similar to the base version, there are notable differences. The cockpit instrument panels have been upgraded from cathode ray tube displays to modern flat-panel, full-color LCD displays. In addition, certain two-seater models have been modified to accept an electro-optical sensor package for reconnaissance purposes. This package includes a sensor pod and equipment installed in place of the M61 cannon. Delivered between 1992 and 1997.
Proposed
Others
Operators
Current operators
- Monsilvan Air Force — 55
- Montesayettean Air and Space Force — ?
- Long Range Strategic Strike Group (LRSSG) — used for training pilots at the LRSSG Weapon School as an aggressor aircraft posing as an enemy fighter.
Specifications
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
