On January 21, 2025, an extraordinary sight took to the skies over the airfield of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig, Germany. The DLR’s modified A320 ATRA, an Advanced Technology Research Aircraft, made its inaugural flight, captivating the attention of onlookers.
The most striking feature of the A320 ATRA is its nose, which diverges from the standard configuration of a commercial Airbus A320. This test aircraft is outfitted with the nose of a Eurofighter jet, developed and assembled by Airbus engineers in Manching, specifically for this modification.
Flying “test bed” for new Eurofighter radar
But why does the A320 ATRA require this unique nose? According to Thomas Hirsch, project manager for the E-Scan radar, “We are operating the aircraft in close collaboration with the DLR and the German Armed Forces to test a new radar for the Eurofighter and bring it to maturity.” This configuration is essential to accommodate the AESA-MK1 radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array) in the aircraft’s redesigned front section.
To ensure seamless integration and safe operation, engineers and mechanics from Airbus Defence and Space and Commercial Aircraft meticulously designed a new front section and reinforced the A320 airframe. All modifications followed the appropriate procedures of the type-certification holder, Airbus Commercial Aircraft in Toulouse. Following the installation of the new nose, the subsequent phase will involve equipping the A320 ATRA cabin with a customized Eurofighter avionic test rig along with the necessary cooling and power infrastructure.
Longer test time under real conditions
With the successful completion of its first flight, the A320 ATRA is set to begin a comprehensive testing phase this year. The decision to conduct radar tests with the A320 ATRA rather than directly on a Eurofighter is strategic; as Hirsch elaborates, “The A320 ATRA has a significantly shorter clearance process and can stay in the air longer than a Eurofighter.” This feature allows for extended and accelerated real-time testing in flight, significantly expediting the radar development timeline.
Upon development completion, the AESA-MK1 radar is expected to be integrated into the latest generation of Spanish “Halcón I” and German “Quadriga” Eurofighters, enhancing their capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, as well as incorporating advanced electronic warfare functions.
Prior to its first flight, the modified A320 ATRA underwent High Speed Taxi tests.
For more information about the Eurofighter, visit this page, and to learn more about the A320 ATRA, click here.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2025-01-20)
