Hawk Nose: Airbus tests the Eurofighter's new radar on a modified A320
The A320 ATRA, modified with the nose of a Eurofighter, completed its first flight in Germany. This aircraft will be key to testing the AESA-MK1 radar, designed to enhance the combat capabilities of Eurofighters in Spain and Germany
On January 21, 2025, the skies over Braunschweig, Germany, witnessed a unique event: the first flight of an Airbus A320 modified with the nose of a Eurofighter. This aircraft, owned by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), has been transformed into a flying testbed to advance the development of the new AESA-MK1 radar, which will be integrated into the most advanced Eurofighters of Germany and Spain.
The aircraft, known as the A320 ATRA (Aircraft Technology Research Aircraft), has been equipped with the distinctive nose of a Eurofighter. This design is not only visually striking but also serves the purpose of testing the AESA-MK1 radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), a system that promises to enhance the air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare capabilities of the Eurofighter.
According to Thomas Hirsch, project manager for Airbus’s E-Scan radar program, the A320 ATRA provides a more efficient testing platform than the Eurofighter itself. "The authorization process for the A320 is significantly faster and allows for longer flights, which speeds up the radar's development," explains Hirsch.
Technical modifications and international collaboration
To accommodate the new nose, engineers and mechanics from Airbus Defence and Space, together with Airbus Commercial Aircraft, completely redesigned the forward section of the A320. Additionally, the fuselage was reinforced to ensure safe flights with the modifications. The integration was carried out following strict certification procedures established by Airbus Commercial Aircraft in Toulouse.
In the next steps, the team will install additional testing equipment in the cockpit, including a customized avionics system from the Eurofighter and a cooling and power infrastructure adapted to the radar's requirements.
The AESA-MK1 radar, once developed and integrated, will be a key component in the Halcón series Eurofighters for Spain and Quadriga series for Germany. These upgrades will not only expand the aircraft's combat effectiveness but also ensure they remain at the forefront of military capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
The project stands out for its collaboration between Airbus, the DLR, and the German Armed Forces, highlighting the importance of technological innovation for European defense.
With the first flight now completed, testing will begin this year, marking a milestone in radar system development and reaffirming Airbus's commitment to advancing military aviation.
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