BAE Systems has completed a test flight of the first Paveway IV precision-guided bomb from a Typhoon multirole combat aircraft.

During the one-hour-long test flight, the Typhoon avionics system was used to safely release the weapon.

The integration of Paveway IV will enhance Typhoon’s capabilities in its ground attack role and forms part of the Typhoon Future Capability Upgrade.

The test is part of an ongoing programme to integrate Paveway IV onto the aircraft and builds on the already performed environmental and jettison trials.

Paveway IV is planned to be delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 2012, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) will start operational evaluation.