Mission Cost Effectiveness compared to Sukhoi Flanker

The Sukhoi-27 Flanker is the standard by which Western aircraft are measured in the post cold war environment. Only the prohibitively expensive F-22 comes close to matching the Flanker on mission effectiveness, whereas the Eurofighter Typhoon performs better than the remaining aircraft, trumping its rival on cost.

This balances flyaway cost against Air-to-Air mission effectiveness; existing or projected aircraft would have to be in the light blue area to provide better value for money than Eurofighter Typhoon.

Fewer Eurofighter Typhoons are required to achieve the same level of operational effectiveness as a larger fleet of less capable aircraft, reducing both direct and indirect cost and man power levels. These exchange ratios will result in a significant reduction in air force attrition rates.

A typical post cold war scenario comparing the loss rates of a fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons with a larger fleet (50% more aircraft) of a less capable type, demonstrates the stark effect of a lower margin of supremacy. After Day 2, more than half of the less capable aircraft (and pilots) would be lost, and after Day 4 the fleet could lose its ability to defend. Eurofighter Typhoon, on the other hand, is able to sustain its effectiveness while inflicting unacceptable losses to the aggressor.

Eurofighter keeps returning Mission after Mission

          To reduce ownership cost over Eurofighter's in-service life of 25 years/ 6,000 flying hours, and to ensure maximum availability, the important areas of reliability, maintainability and testability have been given equal priority with performance and flight safety throughout the development programme. To complement the powerful Integrated Onboard Test Evaluation and Recording System capability, a Ground Support System (GSS) is being developed to fully support the aircraft in its mission role and for maintenance and repair. A small family of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) has been conceived to reduce the reproduction of expensive Special to Type Test. Wherever possible, standard commercially available software and "off the shelf" components shall be used.

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Reliability <400 attributable defects/1000 flying hours >0.95 probability of successful mission completion >0.98 probability of autonomous engine start Maintainability <9 maintenance manhours per flying hour 50% of defects rectified within 45 mins 95% of defects rectified within 3 hours Engine changes by 4 men in 45 mins Testability <5% false alarm rate 100% of safety critical failures will be detected Servicing Before flight <15 mins/2 men Turn round <15 mins/2 men After flight <45 mins/2 men Role Changes <45 mins/3 men for any change

Comparative flyaway cost

Comparative flyaway cost

Flyaway cost does not include the cost elements of production investment or logistic support. The chart below demonstrates that Eurofighter Typhoon is demonstrably in front of its next generation and "revamped" competitors.

Comparative Flyaway Costs

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