BAE Systems has started final assembly of the first Typhoon jet for delivery to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
The assembly of the Typhoon fuselage, wings and undercarriage using special automated alignment facilities which use laser-trackers and computer-automated jacks has been started, The company said in a statement last Thursday.
Other early stages of assembly will include fitting of the fin, foreplanes and marry-up of all the systems.
Martin Taylor, Managing Director, Military Air & Information, BAE Systems said, “Assembly of the first RAFO Typhoon is progressing well and we are on target for first deliveries of the jet as planned”.
Under a contract signed in 2012, the Sultanate of Oman purchased a number of Typhoon and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft. As well as supplying aircraft, we will also provide in-service support to the RAFO’s operational tasks.