The development of the Eurofighter dates back to the year 1983 when the need rose for a common NATO combat aircraft for after the milennium, in order to replace combat aircraft that would be outdated by then. In 1998 the German Luftwaffe placed an order with the international consortium for the building of 180 aircraft. Due to the extensive use of carbon-fibres the Eurofighter has a very small radar cross-section. From the pilot's viewpoint it has an excellent all-round visibilty, it also has 13 external hardpoints for a variety of weapons and it can execute all missions required from a modern combat aircraft. Thanks to its new missiles and its powerful radar, the Eurofighter has the possibility to engage targets beyond the visible range.