The Eurofighter Typhoon is the definition of avant-garde engineering, using the very latest technology enhanced materials and manufacturing techniques. To learn more, please click on a section below.                                                                             The airframe surface area is made up of 70% Carbon Fibre Composites (CFCs), 15% lightweight alloys and titanium, 12% Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP) and 3% other materials. In other words, metals make up only 15% of the materials used in building a Eurofighter Typhoon. In tandem with the unaerodynamic design, these strong but lightweight materials mean that the weight and size of the airframe and engine are 10 - 20% smaller and 30% lighter, than they would otherwise have been. This not only means that the aircraft has a reduced radar signature but is also more stealthy. Please click on a material above to identify the aircraft's component construction.   The "delta canard" design shape of the Eurofighter Typhoon is driven by a need for: • Subsonic/supersonic sustained turn rates • Close combat manoeuvrability • Short take-off and landing • Performance requirements met at full internal tank • Long range missions Combining this with a low wing loading, high thrust-to-weight ratio, excellent all-round vision and carefree handling results in a truly exceptional aircraft. Stealth technology is incorporated in the basic design. Features include low frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS), passive sensors and supercruise capability. The airframe is constructed mainly from Carbon Fibre Composites (CFCs), lightweight alloys, titanium and Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP). The fin and conventional rudder are manufactured from CFC with aluminium lithium on the leading and trailing edges, and GRP on the tip. As well as providing lateral stability, the fin also houses a number of key aircraft systems, such as ECM sensors and communications systems. The wing is a multi-spar construction with integral fuel tanks. There are full span inboard and outboard flaperons and leading edge slats, with wing tips housing the advanced defensive aid sub-system. The main undercarriage attachment is located on each wing. Skins and spars are CFC, with the spars co-bonded to the lower skin. The ribs are carbon fibre reinforced with metallic hardpoints. Titanium is used for the wing/fuselage attachments and outboard flaperons. Manufactured in titanium, the all-moving foreplanes are superplastically formed and diffusion bonded for minimum mass, high strength and optimum aerodynamic profile. These control surfaces provide the aircraft with high-agility and instant responsiveness to pilot inputs. Acting as air-brakes, the foreplanes also help to reduce the aircraft's landing roll. The front fuselage includes the cockpit area and canopy/windscreen; foreplane actuators; a fully retractable flight refuelling probe; the radar; infra-red sensor: avionics and Environmental Control Systems (ECS) bays. The structure is CFC, GRP, aluminium and titanium. These construction materials provide a rigid structure, whilst at the same time saving weight and enhancing the aircraft's aerodynamic performance. The aluminium chin intake has an upper surface wedge, vertical splitter plate and external walls with flow bleed arrangements incorporated. A variable lower cowl lip optimises intake performance. The main body includes fuel tanks; the Secondary Power System; part of the main undercarriage bay; the nose and undercarriage bay; the major wing pick-ups; and the internal gun. The airbrake is mounted on the spine, behind the cockpit. Mainframes are of aluminium lithium with extensive use of CFC for external skins. There are two major frames supporting the engines; the rear frame also incorporates fin and arrester hook attachments. Separating the engine bays is a vertical shear web manufactured from superplastically formed and diffusion bonded titanium.Two large engine bay doors are fitted and form the underside structure of the fuselage. Where temperature permits, CFC is used for external panels. The Eurofighter Typhoon is built using one of the most advanced lean manufacturing processes employed anywhere in the world. Please click on a section, above, to learn more about the aircraft's six main components.                                           Â