DSEI 2021: 2Excel gears up for Tempest sensor testbed work
A model of the Excalibur 757 testbed on display at DSEI 2021. (Photo: author)
After completion of a feasibility study, 2Excel is commencing design and build work on a Boeing 757 testbed aircraft to develop sensor capabilities for the UK's Tempest sixth generation fighter programme.
2Excel Aviation has been issued with a new contract from Leonardo to start Phase 2 of the Tempest flight test aircraft (FTA) programme which will see the company fit a Boeing 757-200 airliner, dubbed Excalibur, with a range of sensors and combat air technologies.
Phase 2 moves FTA on from an initial feasibility phase toward design and build activities, leading on from 2Excel acquiring the 757 in February 2020.
First flight of the modified aircraft has been scheduled for 2023 and will take place from 2Excel's Lasham, Hampshire, MRO facility.
In a 15 September company statement, Leonardo also explained that Excalibur will be made
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Defence Notes
-
![HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals]()
HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
-
![Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries]()
Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
-
![MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments]()
MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
-
![Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions]()
Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
-
![How the Chinese balloon incident will impact future US air threat detection]()
How the Chinese balloon incident will impact future US air threat detection
Although the Pentagon claims that current systems can detect this type of threat, it has confirmed that measures will be taken in order to maintain the US's edge over its adversaries.
