THE RAF FORMALLY announced on 12 April that No 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) is to become the UK's F-35 Lightning II Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU). The squadron's current role as the Typhoon OEU is to end, with No 41 TES becoming a joint Typhoon/Tornado GR4 squadron. The first Typhoon in No 41 TES markings was due to be rolled out as we went to press. It was also rumoured that at least two Hawk T2s will be assigned to the unit at RAF Coningsby. No 17 TES will now transfer to Edwards AFB, California, and become the lead UK F-35 unit, tasked with operational evaluation. Meanwhile, BAE Systems is stepping up Typhoon trials activity. New night vision goggles (NVGs) are being tested at the company's airfield at Warton, Lancashire. The new FENN NG2000Ti NVGs are attached to the latest Helmet-Mounted Symbology System (HMSS). BAE Systems is also assessing the aerodynamic characteristics of carrying the Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile on the Typhoon. Testing is under way at the company's high-speed wind tunnel to de-risk the clearance process for such weapons to be integrated onto the type.
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