Modified twinjet recently joined up with RAF Typhoons for formation flight.
The UK’s Excalibur flight test aircraft has completed the initial phase of a campaign following a second round of major airframe modifications made to the unique Boeing 757.
Prepared in support of the UK’s Future Combat Air System programme for Team Tempest, the twinjet has recently been put through “a series of progressively challenging test activities” during flights from Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.
That also included a photo opportunity with the asset flown alongside Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoons.
Modified by 2Excel Aviation, the Excalibur will serve as a flying laboratory, carrying and testing a range of sensor and communications equipment required for a future sixth-generation fighter. That will include advanced radar, infrared search and track and electro-optical/infrared payloads, along with electronic warfare technology.
“It is now getting ready for the next phase of its journey, when we start to embody equipment to really unlock the value of what we’ve designed,” Andrew Howard, director, future combat air at Team Tempest member Leonardo, said at the Farnborough air show on 22 July.
That integration activity will follow a series of flights to “incorporate noise testing and flight into known icing conditions”, Leonardo says.
The national-only industry grouping also involves BAE Systems, MBDA and Rolls-Royce, with their work to help inform technology choices made for the Global Combat Air Programme between Italy, Japan and the UK.
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