Excalibur 757 Could Test Sensors For Multiple Future Platforms | Aviation Week

Leonardo is preparing to use its Boeing 757-based Excalibur airborne testbed for long-term work supporting the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), as well as sensor development for other future platforms. After the modified airliner finished conversion by 2Excel Aviation—installing cheek, under-fuselage, and nose fairings—the company plans to integrate prototype sensors and communications systems, called Technology Demonstration Programs (TDPs), over the next three years. At the Farnborough Airshow, Leonardo said Excalibur will be fitted with the advanced Multi-Function Radio Frequency System (MFRFS) radar, electronic warfare, infrared search-and-track, and electro-optical systems. The test campaign will mature technologies and support integration on GCAP aircraft, with further upgrades planned into the early 2030s.