Boeing 757-200 Plays Key Role in Developing Europe's Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet
A modified Boeing 757-200 called Excalibur is playing a crucial role in developing Europe's sixth-generation fighter jet, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)/Tempest. In July, major GCAP/Tempest contractor Leonardo UK published an extensive piece on Excalibur and its role in developing the fighter jet.
The Boeing 757-200 was chosen for its size, performance, and adaptability. It has already been seen flying with side pods and an extensively modified nose. The modifications are ongoing, but it will eventually host technical data packages to support GCAP development.
Excalibur boasts massive onboard computing power and will verify technologies like electronic warfare, communications, and electro-optic/infrared. Some of these technologies will be part of GCAP's Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications Systems (ICS).