A remarkable flight took place over Braunschweig, Germany, on January 21, 2025. A modified Airbus A320 successfully completed its first test flight above the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) airfield. However, this aircraft was far from a conventional commercial passenger jet.
Eurofighter Nose Integrated into A320
The modified A320’s distinctive appearance comes from the nose of a fighter jet installed at the front. Airbus engineers designed this platform, named the A320 ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft), specifically to test the new Eurofighter AESA-MK1 radar. Thomas Hirsch, Airbus’s E-Scan radar project manager, explains that the modification was aimed at accelerating the radar development process.
The Eurofighter’s nose, housing the radar system, was equipped with a specialized fore section, which Airbus engineers integrated into the A320 by redesigning the aircraft’s fuselage. All modifications were completed in compliance with certification procedures at Airbus’s headquarters in Toulouse.
Innovative Design Extending Test Durations
Why wasn’t the new radar tested directly on the Eurofighter? According to Hirsch, the A320 ATRA can remain airborne far longer than a fighter jet and requires a much shorter preparation time for test operations. This allows extended testing of the radar under real-flight conditions.
In addition, the modified A320’s cabin was outfitted with specialized test equipment that simulates Eurofighter avionics, along with cooling systems and power infrastructure. This turned the A320 into a comprehensive test platform capable of detailed radar performance analysis.
A Critical Step for Next-Generation Eurofighters
Upon the completion of tests on the A320 ATRA, the AESA-MK1 radar will be integrated into the next-generation Eurofighters developed for Spain and Germany. The new radar will enhance Eurofighter’s performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground operations while significantly advancing its electronic warfare capabilities.
This technology will better equip fighter jets against modern threats and shape the strategies of future aerial combat.
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