Airbus A320 ATRA Flies in IOC Configuration Ahead of Eurofighter’s AESA Radar Testing

["Stefano D'Urso", '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Vertical-Align Middle .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar Is .Alignleft .Alignright'] The Aviationist 2025-09-23 00:00:00

The Advanced Technology Research Aircraft was modified with the Eurofighter’s nose to support testing of the ECRS Mk.1 AESA radar. Airbus and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have reached another milestone with the modified Airbus A320 Advanced Technology Research Aircraft (ATRA) recently flying in its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) configuration, after the first flight earlier this year. Ultimately, the use of the A320 ATRA is expected to significantly accelerate radar development timelines. Meanwhile, Eurofighter aircraft are also beginning to fly test missions with the new system. In December 2024, a Spanish Typhoon performed the first flight with the ECRS Mk.1 from Airbus’ Getafe facility.