http://www.eurofighter.com/news/latestnews.aspEurofighter Announce Inauguration of the ASTA Joint Integration Facility (ASTA JIF) 15 April 2003
(Hallbergmoos – 15 April, 2003) Eurofighter GmbH today announced the formal inauguration of the Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids Joint Integration Facility (ASTA JIF) in Manching, Germany. The ASTA JIF has been set up as a purpose built facility for the ASTA Integrated Programme Team (IPT) responsible for the integration of ASTA. The facility will also be established as the National Support Centre for the German Air Force.
Inauguration of the ASTA JIF is a further milestone in the path to Type Acceptance and Entry to Service for the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. From the outset Eurofighter Typhoon has incorporated a unique and innovative system of training and support that will revolutionise collaboration between industry and operators in the support of complex weapon systems.
Commenting on the event Filippo Bagnato, CEO Eurofighter GmbH stated: ‘We have made significant investment in resources and facilities to support the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System. We are now realizing the potential of this investment based on a close partnership between industry and operators that will set a benchmark for future operation and support.’
Based at the EADS Manching, Germany, the ASTA IPT is responsible for the management, design, integration, testing, demonstration, production, installation, and commissioning of ASTA. ASTA IPT will also be responsible for In Service Support Design for ASTA while decentralized development is performed at the ASTA Partner Companies (APC).
The initial goal of ASTA IPT is focussed on the integration and test of two ASTA Device types including their associated ancillaries.
The ASTA Joint Team consists of one Eurofighter Joint Team Leader and five Joint Team Members representing each of the respective ASTA Partner Companies (APC), Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS, EADS Deutschland, EADS CASA, and Eurofighter Simulation System Company (ESS).
Based on national partners the four nation APCs represent the core for the European military aircraft industry. ESS, a partnership of STN ATLAS, Indra, CAE GmbH, Meteor and Thales, represents the simulator industry.
The ASTA Joint Team is responsible for the overall management of the entire ASTA Programme and holds System Design Responsibility (SDR) for ASTA.
The ASTA Joint Team Leaders are supported by a four nation Integrated Programme Team of 100 people located at ASTA JIF in Manching. The IPT provides coordination of the programme and execute core operational activities. The IPT reflects a range of project management and engineering disciplines: Project Management, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Production and Installation, Liaison Management, Integrated Logistic Support and Operational Factors.