The Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft (FTA), a repurposed Boeing 757, has successfully completed its first phase of modification and flight testing, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
This achievement is part of the collaborative efforts of Leonardo, 2Excel, and the Ministry of Defence to advance combat air technology under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The initial phase of modification involved equipping Excalibur with newly designed side and belly pods, which were rigorously assessed for stability during flight. These pods are engineered to host advanced systems, including the Integrated Sensors, Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications Systems (ICS), developed by Leonardo UK and its international partners.
Further enhancements will include the installation of a fighter jet-style nose cone, enabling the integration of radar-based sensor demonstrators. The aircraft will now undergo additional engineering at Qinetiq’s Boscombe Down facility in Wiltshire before progressing to the next stage.
Excalibur is being transformed into a versatile flying laboratory to support the UK’s FCAS programme. FCAS includes the core fighter being developed under GCAP, as well as a broader suite of capabilities such as uncrewed systems, information platforms, and advanced weaponry.
Future modifications will focus on equipping Excalibur with ISANKE and ICS technology demonstrator systems, allowing on-board scientists and engineers to test and refine the systems in real flight conditions. This approach is expected to reduce risk and accelerate the development timelines of key technologies, aligning with GCAP’s ambitious schedules.
The success of the Excalibur programme thus far reflects the strong partnership between Leonardo, a leading defence prime contractor, and 2Excel, a medium-sized enterprise. Both companies have worked closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure the programme remains on schedule.
Leonardo highlighted the importance of this collaboration:
“The successful conclusion of this phase of the Excalibur programme is a tangible demonstration of the pace and agility that can be achieved through strong partnerships.”
Excalibur is expected to play a critical role in underpinning the development of next-generation combat air capabilities, including advanced sensors and communications systems.
Once equipped with ISANKE and ICS technology, the aircraft will help refine these capabilities, supporting GCAP’s goal of delivering a world-leading combat air platform.
Great news.
I hadn’t realised Tempest’s radar would be so… Bulbous 😉
This is a great idea, hope that the data results in proper improvements to the design.
For Typhoon this was all done on the non passenger carrying Concord that MoD had.
Including the EJ200 testing.
All sorts of odd stories about how that bird was used. Some true some I struggle to believe. But in the 1970/80’s and even in 90’s (to a certain extent) Military…Official Secrets Act solved most admin problems!
The original ECR90 radar for Typhoon was tested in a modified BAE 111. Complete with Typhoon style nose cone.
Indeed.
Re EJ200 initial testing, that was carried out by DA5 or 7, the first 2 seater?
Prior to that it was purley bench tested.
Concorde?? I think the near production example (that’s now in Brooklands) had been grounded and cocooned at Filton since the early 1980’s.
Every other airworthy example was in Air
France or British Airways service.
I don’t believe anywhere used for military testing.
With Tempest size it might be able to get a rearward radar. Maybe even with miniaturisation going on a side looking one, or use the Leonardo 90º rotation trick (with Gripen radar named Raven) to see sideways., maybe rotate just a part of the panel.
I’m sure it will be swish plate mounted, it’s an obvious solution to dramatically increasing sensor capability.
I’m equally sure Tempest will have side facing arrays too.
Is this aircraft MoD owned?
Or part of the ATEC at Boscombe?
Or a Leonardo asset?
G-FTAI is currently registered to 2 Excel.
Thanks.