ZELTWEG --- As part of a training flight, the pilots of the Armed Forces recently completed the two thousandth flight hour with a Eurofighter. This marks another milestone reached in the introduction of this highly sophisticated system.
Pilots and technicians provide professional work
When introducing a new flight system, such occasions are a special reason for celebration, as they testify to the high professionalism of the pilots and the high quality of technical staff. Maximum security is paramount in military operations.
Introduction continues
The first Eurofighter of the Federal Armed Forces landed on July 12, 2007 at the airfield in Hinterstoisser Zeltweg. The system is still in the introductory phase. The introduction of such a highly complex system, up to full system capability, takes several years and trequires that personnel be fully versed in operational and technical aspects.
Top-training for pilots
The number of currently available pilot meets the planning in the context of the available flight hours and in view of a future full-rate utilization. The pilots of the interceptor will be continuously trained to ensure the control of the aircraft in all situations. This ranges from takeoffs and landing approaches at different airports to supersonic operations.
"Alpha-priority missions"
The 15 Eurofighters are combined with other aircraft and the radar system for monitoring the integrity and sovereignity of Austrian airspace. Every year, it requires about 70 "Alpha-priority missions," in which unidentified aircraft flying in Austrian airspace are intercepted and identified.
For major events, such as the European Football Championship 2008, the airspace is secured and strengthened. In order to significantly reduce response times, aircraft are kept constantly flying in such cases, if necessary also at night.
