Leonardo and 2Excel have received a 115-million pound ($150.4 million) contract to transform a commercial Boeing 757 into a “flying electronics laboratory” for combat air technology for the UK.
The Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft will test technology that could be deployed on the fighter jet the UK, Italy, and Japan are developing under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Furthermore, the flight test aircraft is a key element of the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) seeking to replace the UK Royal Navy’s Typhoons by 2035.
The Excalibur will host sensors, digital technology, and integrated communications, and is expected to fly with these new technologies within the three years.
“The Excalibur programme will help us to accelerate the development of advanced electronics… via early flight testing, which can take place in parallel with the wider development of the core platform,” Leonardo UK Future Combat Air Director Andrew Howard explained.
“This will inject additional pace into the programme and support our ambitious goal to deliver a next generation combat aircraft.”
Producing Jobs in UK
The Boeing airliner is currently in 2Excel’s Lasham site in Hampshire, where it will receive physical modifications, corresponding flight tests, certifications, and additional work to secure approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Conceived by Leonardo in Bedfordshire and 2Excel in Northamptonshire, designed in Yorkshire and built in Hampshire, Excalibur is already contributing to the UK’s economic recovery, helping us to create more highly skilled and valuable jobs, including apprenticeships,” 2Excel Aviation Excalibur Program Lead Chris Norton said.
“It will promote national prosperity and technological leadership for many decades ahead.”