A320 with a Eurofighter nose: Airbus flying radar lab starts flight operations
The Airbus A320 ATRA has recently completed its commissioning flights at the Airbus facility in Manching, Germany. This aircraft, equipped with a customized Eurofighter nose, is owned by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and will support the ongoing development of the Eurofighter’s advanced E-Scan radar system.
On a picturesque October day, the Airbus site in Manching saw an eye-catching sight — the A320 ATRA soaring onto the runway, which has certainly turned heads among aviation enthusiasts. Clearly distinguishable from standard passenger aircraft, this platform features the iconic pointed radome of a Eurofighter. What appears to be a radical new aircraft design actually serves a vital purpose.
Designed as a flying laboratory, the Airbus A320 ATRA will be utilized to test and refine the next-generation radar system for the Eurofighter. The aircraft has embarked on a series of commissioning flights that signify its readiness as a test bed for this advanced technology.
A New Radar for the Eurofighter
As noted by Erik Lorch, Head of the E-Scan Mk1 Programme, the future Eurofighters of the German Quadriga and Tranche 5, along with the Spanish Halcón programmes, will be outfitted with a new radar system known as the Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk1. The immediate focus is on integrating this sophisticated radar system into new jets, with plans for retrofitting current Eurofighter models in the future.
The E-Scan radar constitutes an active electronically scanned array (AESA), enhancing the Eurofighter’s operational capabilities significantly in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Lorch emphasizes its crucial role in advancing the fighter jet’s efficiency and effectiveness.
A Perfect Hybrid for the Job
In collaboration with the DLR, which owns the A320 ATRA, Airbus has ingeniously revamped the aircraft to meet specific testing requirements. “This distinguished platform has a rich history as a research aircraft,” explains Sebastian Ritz, who oversees the A320 Flying Test Bed Programme at Airbus Defence and Space. “We have harnessed its potential and modified it to align with our objectives.”
To accommodate the Eurofighter nose, the A320 fuselage received structural reinforcements, and extensive data cabling was installed. A sophisticated liquid and air cooling system was incorporated to maintain optimal temperatures for the radar equipment. Additionally, the cabin has been fitted with multiple workstations that provide experts with real-time access to crucial data. They can monitor all inputs the radar sends to the pilot and observe the performance of the apparatus “under the nose.” Ritz notes, “The insights we acquire will bolster the maturation and further development of the system.”
Originally taking to the skies in early 2025, the structurally modified A320 first flew without an active radar to establish its basic airworthiness. It subsequently underwent thorough ground tests, where the radar was rigorously assessed. Ritz confirms, “During the latest commissioning flights, we validated that both the aircraft and the radar operate effectively in flight. Following this final evaluation, the E-Scan Mk1 flying test bed is now fully operational.” The establishment of this military flying test bed marks a significant milestone in the progression of the Eurofighter’s E-Scan radar system, with the striking A320 ATRA expected to become a frequent presence at the Airbus facility in Manching.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2026-11-06)
