BAE Systems : Inside the cockpit of award-winning Eurofighter Typhoon display

A UK Eurofighter Typhoon, featuring the latest weapons fit, performed a spectacular display for crowds at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Farnborough International Air Show, with BAE Systems' Typhoon Test Pilot Nat Makepeace at the controls.

The display demonstrated the Eurofighter Typhoon carrying four Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missiles, two ASRAAM infra-red missiles, six Brimstone 2 low collateral, precision strike missiles, and two Paveway IV GPS/laser guided bombs.

And this video, shot from a camera mounted in the cockpit as Nat performed his display at Farnborough, provides a unique perspective on a stunning performance.

Typhoon Test Pilot Nat Makepeace, who is based at BAE Systems' Military Air & Information site in Warton, Lancashire, said:

'Looking at the display from this viewpoint really gives the viewer an idea of the incredible agility which Typhoon possesses.'

'This is an aircraft which already provides air forces with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft and this display demonstrates that the significant work being done to ensure Typhoon's capability evolves to meet future threats is very well advanced.'

Nat's display, performed throughout the two air shows, won the Steedman Display Sword at the RIAT event.

The sword is presented by the Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988) for the best flying demonstration by a UK participant.

The display was intended to demonstrate the significant progress being made towards the realisation of Phase 2 and 3 Enhancements for Typhoon, which will deliver improved long-range capabilities to the aircraft. Flight test programmes for the P2E and P3E packages are ongoing.

Phase 2 Enhancements will bring new, long range capabilities to Typhoon. This includes a deep attack capability enabling stand-off targeting of high value assets through the integration of the Storm Shadow Air-to-Surface cruise missile and a Beyond Visual Range capability through integration of the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile, providing enhanced capability against a variety of targets such as agile fast jets, Unmanned Air Vehicles and cruise missiles.

Phase 3 Enhancements will introduce a low collateral, high precision strike air-to-surface capability to Typhoon through integration of the Brimstone Air-to-Surface weapon, giving a precision effect with low collateral damage against fast-moving armoured targets.

Nat, who has amassed over 5,400 hours of military fast jet time on over 50 different types of aircraft, was also wearing the Striker II helmet during the display - a fully digital colour Helmet Mounted Display which builds on decades of combat-proven experience by BAE Systems to provide the fast jet pilot with exceptional night and day vision and target tracking technology displayed in front of their eyes.