This article is based on an official press release from Diehl Aerospace.

Diehl Aerospace Unveils “Non-Intrusive” Connectivity Upgrade for Eurofighter Typhoon

Diehl Aerospace, a joint venture between Diehl Aviation and Thales, has announced the development of a new retrofit technology designed to bridge the technological gap between current fourth-generation fighter aircraft and future air combat systems. The solution, dubbed the “EASY Upgrade,” centers on a cockpit-integrated tablet that enables advanced connectivity and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities without requiring extensive recertification of the aircraft’s primary avionics.

According to the company’s official statement, the primary target for this technology is the Eurofighter Typhoon, though the system is applicable to other existing fighter platforms. The upgrade aims to provide pilots with immediate access to the “Combat Cloud,” allowing them to control remote carrier drones and view high-resolution reconnaissance data in real-time.

The “EASY Upgrade” Concept

The core of Diehl’s innovation is a ruggedized Control and Display Unit (CDU), essentially a military-grade tablet, that integrates into the existing cockpit environment. The manufacturer describes the system as “non-intrusive,” a critical distinction in aerospace engineering.

By operating independently of the aircraft’s safety-critical flight systems, the upgrade avoids the complex, multi-year recertification processes typically required when modifying primary avionics. The system connects to the aircraft to read necessary data but processes mission-specific information, such as drone feeds and dynamic flight routes, on its own hardware.

Florian Maier, CEO of Diehl Aerospace, highlighted the pragmatic approach of this solution in the company’s press release:

“Our goal is to quickly and pragmatically upgrade existing fighter aircraft to meet new requirements. Our developments are an important contribution to ensuring Europe’s air defense is ready for the future.”

Technical Implementation

Diehl Aerospace reports that a demonstrator has already confirmed the technical feasibility of the concept. The system utilizes a “Communication Concentrator Unit” (CCU) or High-Performance Controller to manage data flow between the aircraft, the tablet, and external networks. To handle the massive influx of mission data without overwhelming the pilot, Diehl has developed proprietary algorithms designed to filter and present information intuitively on the new display.

Bridging the Gap to FCAS

A major driver behind this development is the timeline for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a sixth-generation multinational project expected to be fully operational in the 2040s. European air forces currently rely on fourth-generation platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon, which must remain relevant and interoperable during the transition period.

The “EASY Upgrade” is designed to bring sixth-generation capabilities, specifically the ability to operate within a networked “Combat Cloud”, to these legacy fleets today. This ensures that current aircraft can communicate effectively with future platforms and unmanned systems.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)

One of the specific capabilities highlighted by Diehl is the control of “Remote Carriers.” These are loyal wingman drones that accompany manned fighters. Through the new tablet interface, pilots can:

• Interact directly with unmanned systems.
• Receive live video feeds from reconnaissance drones.
• Maintain a comprehensive “operational situation picture” that integrates real-time mission data.

Diehl states that the system is designed to extend the man-machine interface “without altering” the existing mission systems, thereby preserving the aircraft’s current certification status while adding significant tactical utility.

AirPro News Analysis

The strategic value of Diehl’s “non-intrusive” approach cannot be overstated in the current defense procurement environment. Full avionics upgrades for fighters like the Typhoon are notoriously expensive and slow, often taking a decade from design to fleet-wide implementation due to rigorous safety certifications.

By decoupling the mission connectivity layer (the tablet) from the flight safety layer (the flight computer), Diehl is effectively proposing a “bring your own device” model for military cockpits. This allows air forces to update software and processing power at the speed of consumer electronics, rather than the speed of military airframe development. If successful, this could set a new standard for how legacy fleets are modernized, prioritizing software agility over hardware permanence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary aircraft for this upgrade? While the technology is adaptable, Diehl Aerospace has identified the Eurofighter Typhoon as the primary initial target for the upgrade.

Does this upgrade require recertifying the aircraft? According to Diehl, the system is “non-intrusive” and does not require critical modifications to primary flight safety avionics, which avoids the need for extensive new certifications.

What is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)? MUM-T refers to the coordinated operation of manned aircraft (like a fighter jet) and unmanned systems (drones) working together in a mission. Diehl’s upgrade allows the pilot to control these drones from the cockpit.

Sources

• Diehl Aerospace