Airbus A320 Testbed Takes Flight with Eurofighter Radar Technology

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) airfield recently hosted the maiden flight of the Advanced Technology Research Aircraft (ATRA), this uniquely modified Airbus A320 testbed now features a remarkable new component: the nose of a Eurofighter Typhoon jet.

A Radical Modification for Advanced Testing

Airbus engineers in Manching carried out the Eurofighter modification The Airbus A320 redesigned front section is specifically engineered to house the ECRS or AESA MK1 radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), developed by Hensoldt. This platform serves as a critical step in advancing radar technology for the Eurofighter.

“We are operating the aircraft in close collaboration with the DLR and the German Armed Forces to test a new radar for the Eurofighter and bring it to maturity,”

said Thomas Hirsch, Airbus E-Scan radar project manager.

To integrate the radar, engineers reinforced the airframe and adhered to the stringent procedural requirements of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Upcoming phases of the project will involve equipping the cabin with specialized test systems, including a Eurofighter avionics rig, as well as advanced cooling and power infrastructure.

Advantages of Using the A320 ATRA

Testing the radar system aboard the A320 ATRA offers significant benefits compared to direct testing on the Eurofighter Typhoon. According to Hirsch, “The A320 ATRA has a significantly shorter clearance process and can stay in the air longer than a Eurofighter.”

These factors allow for extended and more comprehensive testing in real-world scenarios, accelerating the radar’s development timeline. The finalized radar system will be integrated into the Spanish “Halcón I” and German “Quadriga” variants of the Eurofighter.

Enhanced Capabilities with AESA MK1 Radar

The AESA MK1 radar is set to significantly enhance the Eurofighter’s operational functionality. Key improvements include:

  • Precise target recognition
  • Greater agility in mission execution
  • Enhanced electronic protection measures (EPM)
  • New electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic attack (EA) capabilities

These advancements will bolster the Eurofighter’s capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, as well as its electronic warfare operations.

Complementary Radar Development

In addition to the AESA MK1, another prototype radar system for the Typhoon, the ECRS Mark 2, is under development and testing by BAE Systems and Leonardo.

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