The award was presented to team members from both companies during the Society’s annual Honours, Medals & Awards evening last week in London.
The Excalibur FTA is a highly versatile flying laboratory designed to enable the test and evaluation, in a real-world environment, of the next-generation integrated sensors, digital technology and integrated communications known as ISANKE & ICS (Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects and Integrated Communications Systems). Originally a commercial Boeing 757, the FTA is undergoing extensive modifications to support cutting-edge research and innovation.
The aircraft is being developed as part of Team Tempest which brings together the best of British Industry who are working alongside the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
As part of the UK’s FCAS programme – which encompasses the core fighter being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – Excalibur plays a critical role in de-risking and accelerating technology development. In the coming years, the aircraft will fly equipped with advanced sensors and communications technology, enabling onboard scientists and engineers to test and refine systems in real time.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Excalibur team, Leonardo Project Chief Engineer Anthony Todd, said: “This award from Royal Aeronautical Society recognises the extraordinary efforts of the team and acknowledges the significant contribution that their work is making to the UK’s future combat air capability.
“The success of Excalibur reflects the strong partnership between Leonardo and 2Excel. Together, we are helping the programme breaks new ground while demonstrating pace and agility to meet the ambitious timelines of GCAP.”
Steve Riley, 2Excel Aviation Executive Director, Programme Manager and Flight Test Manager, added: “This Programme has presented challenges in the UK aerospace industry that have not been present for decades.
“Whilst demonstrating unparalleled pace throughout, the innovation, effectiveness and collaboration have proven that – even without a blueprint to follow – our peoples’ ability and determination to stretch their respective boundaries and deliver is world class, in many cases inspiring.
“Excalibur has provided significant opportunities to develop skills within the project teams and across the wider supply chain. We are now entering the next stage of testing in support of certification, for which we plan to commence operational delivery within 12 months.”