In a process begun in the mid-1990s now speeded up by the
current government , the Luftwaffe ( German Air Force) is currently
adopting its equipment-requirements to reflect current and future needs.
The Luftwaffe had to adjust its missions to take account of the
possibility of involvement in conflict beyond the borders of Europe. The
Luftwaffe aims for the capacity to participate in multi-national joint
crisis management operations covering the whole spectrum, from
humanitarian aid to collective defence. Priority has been given to the
purchase of 180 Eurofighters, representing the largest slice of the German
MoD's procurement budget. The introduction of the Eurofighter into the Air
Force is due to start in the fourth quarter of 2003. The German
Eurofighter programme was given a boost with the first flight of the first
German series production Eurofighter (IPA 3 Instrumented Production
Aircraft) at the EADS facility this year. The first unit to receive the
Eurofighter will be Jagdgeschwader 73 at Laage , currently equipped with
F-4F Phantoms and Mig-29s. The Phantoms and Mig-29s will be replaced with
the Eurofighter over time. The Mig-29s will be handed over to Poland in
2003, and the Phantoms will be be slowly phased out which began in 2002.
In the Future there will be five Eurofighter wings ( each
equipped with 36 aircraft ) which will be accompanied by 125 Tornados (
down from 267 today ). In contrast to UK and France, the German DOD has so
far not discussed a new strike aircraft to replace it's Tornados. Funding
for this project might be hard to find after the costly purchase of the
Eurofighter. There have been strong suggestions that in the long term
(beyond 2020) the Eurofighter will be the air force's single combat
aircraft platform. Most of the 275 have gone through an initial upgrade
and are now in the process of going through a Mid-Life Improvement (MLI)
programme and a New Avionics Structure.
During Allied Force, shortcomings became evident especially
in relation to Germany's need for a large transport aircraft. In response
to this Germany placed on order for 73 A400M Transport aircraft , these
will replace the ageing C.160D Transalls. The German government suggests
buying only 40 aircraft, a number that could be financed by the £3
Billion already reserved for the A400M. The report goes on to say that 75
aircraft are unnecessary, because they would represent four times the
current Luftwaffe airlift capacity.
In addition, the German Air Force operates seven Airbus
A-310 MRT ( Multi-Role-Transports ), of which four are to be converted to
MRTTs (Multi-Role-Tanker-Transports). Also joining the fleet are 66 NH-90
TTHs which will replace the UH-1D Heuy, 24 of the NH-90s will be converted
to the CSAR role. Over the next few years, the service will scale down
from 437 combat aircraft 302, and from 73 SAM squadrons to 46. Two are
Luftwaffe bases will also be shut down, these are part of comprehensive reorganization
of the German Armed Forces.
Luftwaffe Aircraft :
Fighter/Attack Aircraft :
-Eurofighter
The four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon is a foreplane
delta-wing, beyond-visual-range, close air fighter aircraft with surface
attack capability. Eurofighter has 'supercruise' capability: it can fly at
sustained speeds of over Mach 1 without the use of afterburner. The EJ200
engine has been developed by Eurojet GmbH. An overall production contract
for 620 aircraft was signed in January 1998, with 232 for the UK, 180 for
Germany, 121 for Italy and 87 for Spain. The first of these aircraft are
planned to enter service with the four participating nations by the end of
2002. Final deliveries are scheduled for 2015.
The direct voice input allows the pilot to carry out mode selection and
data entry procedures using voice command.The cockpit has three
multifunction, colour, head-down displays (MHDDs), which show the tactical
situation, systems status and map displays. The aircraft is equipped with
a CAPTOR (ECR 90) multi-mode X-band pulse Doppler radar, developed by the
Euroradar consortium. A Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) is mounted on the
port side of the fuselage, forward of the windscreen. When used with the
radar in the air-to-air role, it functions as an Infrared Search and Track
system (IRST), providing passive target detection and tracking. In the
air-to-surface role, the FLIR performs target acquisition and
identification, as well as providing a night flying aid.
As well as an internally mounted 27mm Mauser gun, the
EurofighterTyphoon has 13 hard points for weapon carriage. For air-to-air
combat, the standard weapon configuration is four beyond-visual-range
air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) on semi-recessed fuselage stations, and two
ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles on the outer pylons. A mix of up to
ten medium- and short-range missiles can be carried. German and Italian
Eurofighters will carry the imaging infrared IRIS-T air-to-air
missile . Eurofighter can carry a range of air-to-surface weapons.
The Eurofighter is equipped with two Eurojet EJ200 engines, each
delivering thrust of 90kN in full reheat and 60kN in dry power mode. The
first German series production Eurofighter (IPA 3 Instrumented Production
Aircraft) took off for a successful Maiden Flight at 03/04/2002 EADS
Military Aircraft’s Manching plant and touched the ground again safely.
-Tornado IDS / ECR / RECCE
Tornado IDS
Tornado ECR
Tornado RECCE
In all the Luftwaffe received 276
Tornados , which can be devided into three different versions. The Tornado
IDS version (Interdiction-Strike) which is the main type in service, ECR
version ( Electronic Combat & Reconnaissance ) of which some 25
aircraft were delivered and the RECCE version (Reconnaissance).
Most of the approximately 275 Tornados have, in any
case, undergone the first stages of an upgrade due to be completed in
2003-2005. As a follow on to a mid 1980s upgrade which was an
important step to adopt the aircraft to changing requirements was the
German "Tornado First Upgrade" for the fighter-bomber aircraft I
DS (Interdiction-Strike). This program of the late 80s led primarily to
enhanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities which included FADEC,
AGM-88s and a Mil-1553B databus. Based upon the IDS upgrade, Dasa ( Now
EADS ) developed the Tornado ECR for Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance
which is operational with the German Air Force (GAF). Today the Tornado
ECR is the most advanced and capable tactical fighter for (SEAD)
Suppression of Enemy Air Defences and C3I roles.
After that the Luftwaffe initiated a further upgrade
for most of it's Tornado IDS fleet ( Similiar to the British Tornado GR.4
mid-life update ). The main element of the upgrade is known as the "Neue
Avionikstruktur" (New Avionics Structure) and is already under fleet
wide implementation . It consists of upgraded main computer, and
conversion of software from Spirit 3 to the ADA computer language to
enhance the Tornados computing capacity. The New Avionics Structure is the
basis for integrating new weapons ( Taurus Stand-off missile )and sensors
in the German Tornados.
Another major element is a Mid-Life Improvement (MLI)
programme, comprising of 2 packages, the Kampfwertanpassung ( KMW , Combat
Effeciency Enhancement ) and the Kampfwerterhaltung ( KWE, Combat
Effiency Upgrade). Their main operational task is to improve weapon
systems performance and accuracy while enhancing the aircraft's ability to
operate in multi-national force. These two elements should be incorporated
in every Tornado airframe by 2005.
-F-4F Phantom II ICE
During the years 1973-1975, the German Luftwaffe received a
total of 175 twin-seater Phantom II aircraft, which are in service as
fighter aircraft and fighter bombers. Between 2002 and 2012, the present
aircraft will be successively replaced by Eurofighters. The severe
programme delays with the Eurofighter forced the German Airforce to
execute an operational life extension programme for a large portion of the
Phantom fleet. The programme was called ICE (Improved Combat
Effectiveness), it involved 110 Phantoms and was conducted by DASA ( Now
EADS). The modification included the APG-65 radar, the ability to fire the
AIM-120 AMRAAM and a new navigation suite that includes GPS The 37
operational Phantoms not part of the upgrade received only a new
navigation suite.
In service since 1973, the Phantom equips a total of 6 squadrons, which
include a Air Force test centrum and a German Training Centre in Holloman
AFB USA. With the ICE upgrade, the F-4F Phantom will remain in the
Luftwaffe until at least 2005 when they will be replaced by the
Eurofighter.
-MIG-29 G/GT Fulcrum
Mig-29A
Mig-29UB
The Bundeswehr inherited 20 single-seater and 4 twin-seater
MiG-29 aircraft from the former East German forces. After these Fulcrum
aircraft had been upgraded to western standards, they received the
designations MiG-29G (for Germany) and MiG-29GT (Germany/Trainer). The '
Fulcrum ' squadron based at Laage Air Base is amongst the busiest units in
NATO , being officialy NATO assigned and responible for the air-defence of
Eastern Germany. It also provides realistic adversary training for NATO
pilots in air-air combat exercises.
The Luftwaffe Fulcrums have been upgraded to NATO standards, with
modification including of a identification and navigation system as well
as engine adjustments to increase life expectancy. Six to Eight Fulcrums
have also received a GPS system, and provision for two 1150-litre
underwing fuel tanks increasing their range to 3000 km. The German Defence
Department recently announced that the 23 Mig-29s currently operated by
the German Air Force would be handed over to the Polish Air Force during
the first half of 2003.
TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT :
- Transall C.160D
The Luftwaffe operates a fleet of around 70 C-160.Ds. The
Transall is rapidly reaching the end of it's life after 30 years of
operation , these systems are currently undergoing a self-protection
system upgrade at Manchning. Which includes a BAE SYSTEMS High Integration
Air Data Computer (HIADC), Litton ALR-68 radar warning systems and
Rockwell FMS-800 Flight Management and Global Positioning System. The
three wings of C.160D Transport aircraft will be consolidated into two
from 2008. The German Government will order up to 73 more capable Airbus
A400M aircraft when the government approve the order. Twenty-four C.160Ds
were modified for special operations.
The C-160 Transall aircraft are twin turboprop transporters in service
with the air forces of France, Germany and Turkey. The aircraft is a
cantilever high-wing monoplane and is configured for transportation,
paratroop drop, electronic surveillance, airborne communications relay and
medical evacuation. The main cabin can be fitted to carry 93 troops or up
to 68 fully equipped paratroops. For medical evacuation, the cabin can
accommodate 62 stretcher patients.
- A400 Future Large Aircraft?
The A400M (formerly known as the Future Large Aircraft) is a
military transporter designed to meet the requirements of the air forces
of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Italy subsequently withdrew from the programme. In December 2001, a formal
contract of procurement was signed between Airbus and OCCAR, the European
procurements agency for 196 aircraft: Belgium 7, France 50, Germany 73,
Luxembourg 1, Portugal 3, Spain 27, Turkey 10 and the UK 25 aircraft. The
first aircraft is scheduled to fly in 2006 with entry into service in
2008.
The TP400 engine from the new Turboprop International (TPI) group, be
chosen as the A400M powerplant. Germany's decision last November to
allocate DM10 billion ($4.4 billion) of funding towards its A400M
requirement was crucial to continuation of the A400M program, for which
the Luftwaffe is initially the largest customer. Some concern has
been expressed, however, at the current shortfall from the DM16.8 billion,
which is Germany'sfull estimated A400M requirement cost. The
latter total indicates German estimates of about $104 million for an A400M
program unit cost, presumably including spares and technical support.
- A-310 MRT/T
The Airbus A310 MRT for the German Air Force is a joint project of
EADS and Lufthansa Technik. The MRT - Multi
Role Transport - can fulfil a wide range of different transport tasks with just
one aircraft type. The concept is based on conversions of Airbus A310-300
commercial aircraft, which are already in worldwide operation. Standardized kits
- including all systems for transport tasks - are used for the conversion in
accordance with customer requirements.
The Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) concept provides
for the use of the twin-jet A310 as a multi-purpose military transport and
tanker. It is planned to enhance the MRT into a Multi Role Tanker Transport for
the German Air Force through the installation of a tanker kit. The Luftwaffe has
seven A310-304s, of which two are configured for VIP transport and one for
passenger transport. The other four are multirole transports (MRT). It is
the latter four which will be modified into MRTT's, with the first
aircraft scheduled for re-delivery in November 2002. For the air-to-air
refuelling (tanker) role, the aircraft is equipped with five centre fuel
tanks or Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs), and with hose and drogue pods
under the outer wings. The total fuel capacity is up to 96,920 litres
(25,605 US gallons), which corresponds to 77,500kg (171,000lb).
HELICOPTERS :
- UH-1D Huey
The Luftwaffe operates a fleet of 114 hueys. Fifteen
are at facilities like technical schools and will never fly again ; the 99
airworthy examples have all undergone a service life extension programme
that includes new composite rotor blades. Dornier is responsible for
further upgrades to another 24 examples called the flugfahigkeit/Flugsicherheitmassname
(NTS/FSM), which give the Huey a night-vision capability for night
operations. Also included is a new airframe, better avionics, new VOR/ILS
, HF Radio and GPS.
As well as operating alongside the C.160Ds units, the UH-1D serves in
SAR and VIP roles. The Huey is scheduled to be replaced by the NH-90
around 2008.
- NH-90 TTH
The German Air Force is set to receive around 66 NH-90 TTH,
The TTH version is primarily conceived for tactical transport of personnel
(14-20 troops) and material (more than 2500 kg of cargo), heliborne
operations and SAR.
Additional applications include medevac, special operations, electronic
warfare, airborne command post, parachuting, VIP transport, flight
training.
The NH-90 is expected to replace the Huey around 2008, the Huey will be
phased by 66 NH-90s concentrated in a single location. With the arrival of
these, the air force will take on a new role : combat search and rescue (
CSAR ). The service is acquiring eight CSAR kits and 24 of its NH-90s will
be fitted with this new equipment. The kits involve full night capability,
in-flight refueling, installation of air-air and air-to-surface weapons,
and an electrical warfare suite. This embryonic CSAR capability will be
resident within the NH-90 wing at Holzdorf, and the Luftwaffe is hoping
that Holzdorf will become the European CSAR centre.
Air-Defence :
- Patriot 2 / PAC 3
PATRIOT serves the air threat within the middle and large elevator
area for the defense. The improvement of the ability for the defense tactical ballistic missile is initiated at present by re-tooling
measures with the ground support equipment as well as by introduction new " hit to kill" missiles of a PAC 3. The target acquisition and
target illumination for the missile take place with a radar device with electronic
laserbeems . Several air targets can be fought at the same time.
The Luftwaffe is due to acquire 200 examples of the Patriot Advanced
Capacity 3 (PAC-3 - it currently only operates the PAC-2 version) and 13
Launching stations modification kits. A 100% offset deal has been
negotiated as one of the deal's features.
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Luftwaffe Aircraft :
