The Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft (FTA) assigned to the UK’s Future Combat Air System project and the tri-national Global Combat Air Program is taking shape on schedule. 2Excel Aviation is outfitting a Boeing 757, a former airliner, to carry the sensor package being developed for the FCAS and subsequent GCAP.
Leonardo serves as the UK’s industrial sensor lead in the UK and tri-national programs and has worked closely with 2Excel in defining the FTA’s configuration. Both companies expect that the FTA could appear at the next Farnborough Air Show in its full fairing configuration, and with some elements of the FCAS/GCAP’s Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications System (ISANKE & ICS) installed.
As a first step, 2Excel created a digital twin of the Boeing 757, and then accomplished an aggressive flight test program to verify the accuracy of the digital model. The flight trials, conducted at Boscombe Down, involved aggressive maneuvers such as stalls and three-point landings. 2Excel conducted about 50 landings and completed the campaign in about half the expected time.
With the baseline measurements gathered and recording systems verified, Excalibur is now in modification with the side and center antenna fairings being installed, albeit empty for now. Another flight test campaign will ensue, followed by further modifications. Test sensors will be installed soon after.
Excalibur initially received funding as part of the UK-only FCAS program, and is proceeding with various UK technology demonstrations. The test results will help determine the nature of the eventual tri-national GCAP ISANKE & ICS, which will undergo further testing aboard the FTA.
The Excalibur operates on a full UK civil registration, with the modifications being certified under Supplemental Type Certificates, allowing the aircraft to fly anywhere in the world to perform its test duties.