The 757's Second Life: Excalibur

Recently the UK has made a significant stride in the development of its Tempest sixth-generation fighter jet. A modified Boeing 757, named Excalibur, has taken flight and commenced flight testing as a flying laboratory as a part of the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) launched by the UK, Italy and Japan.

After it’s maiden flight in November the converted 757 has had 3 further test flights operated by Leonardo UK.  

The news comes as Jet 2 recently decommissioned their 757’s after more than 30 years of service. Despite the 757 widely seen as outdated, Excalibur reinstates it’s glorious reputation, functioning as a test asset to the Tempest program.    

The Global Combat Air Programme 

Excalibur is an integral component of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort between the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a new generation of fighter jets. Not only that it’s widely believed to be the “most sophisticated British test aircraft ever developed”  

The programme also encompasses the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which will include advanced unmanned aircraft and weapon systems, all this has been made possible by 2Excel Aviation who undertook the mammoth task.

Deconstructing a second 757 allowed 2Excel to create a digital twin of the aircraft enabling engineers to map and model all of the systems of the aircraft and integrate it into Excalibur. 

Source: RAF  

Advanced Technologies Aboard Excalibur 

Post converted 757 takes flight on the 4th of November at Boscombe Down  

Excalibur will serve as a testbed for Integrated Sensors, Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications Systems (ICS) being developed by Leonardo for the Tempest.

These systems will incorporate a cutting-edge radar, advanced sensors, and other technologies that will empower the Tempest to detect and track targets in most challenging environments. 

What do these actually Technologies do? 

ISANKE enhances: 

• Situational awareness  

• Electronic warfare capabilities by usingradar and infrared systems 

• Enabling detection, tracking, and non-kinetic responses such as electronic jamming.  

ICS ensures Excalibur has: 

• A secure, reliable communication with allied forces for real-time information sharing. 

• The aircraft's modifications, including new pods and a fighter-style nose cone 

• These changes support testing these systems in-flight to refine and accelerate their integration into the Tempest. 

Flight Testing and the Future of Tempest 

Excalibur is poised to commence flight testing with ISANKE and ICS systems in the forthcoming years. This will afford engineers the opportunity to test and refine these systems in real-world conditions, mitigating risks and ensuring the Tempest meets its ambitious goals of service ready in 2035. 

The Importance of Excalibur 

The Excalibur programme represents a crucial step in the development of the Tempest. By testing advanced sensors and avionics in real-world conditions, Excalibur will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Tempest project.