The work, first reported by FlightGlobal, involves QinetiQ’s Avro RJ100 registered G-ETPL, known as the Airborne Technology Demonstrator (ATD). The aircraft was first seen in 2023 with a “combat aircraft nose system” to accommodate advanced radar and sensor payloads.
According to BAE Systems, efforts in 2025 have focused on defining modifications needed to support trials. These include airworthiness assessments, structural and avionics design changes, and radar interface integration.
“Having completed our analysis, we expect to begin work on the modifications required to the aircraft in the coming months and ensure it is ready to support our scheduled work on ECRS Mk2,” said Paul Smith, Typhoon Strategy Delivery Director at BAE Systems Air.
The ECRS Mk2 is a new-generation active electronically scanned array radar designed by Leonardo UK. It will provide electronic attack functions, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imaging, and automatic target recognition.
The system forms part of the Typhoon’s Phase 4 Enhancement programme, aimed at extending the fighter’s operational relevance. It is the most advanced of the ECRS family and will be installed only on RAF Typhoons.
The ATD will complement Typhoon flight-test assets by transferring a large share of trials to the RJ100. BAE Systems has estimated that more than 50% of current radar flight-test activities could be shifted, reducing costs and enabling earlier evaluations.
Smith explained: “We believe it can achieve earlier and longer flight tests, accelerate capability quicker and more cheaply, and demonstrate progress on ECRS Mk2’s unique features.”
The first ECRS Mk2 prototype was delivered to BAE Systems in April 2023, with initial Typhoon flight trials completed in September 2024. The radar is scheduled to be installed on 40 Tranche 3 Typhoons from 2028, with service entry planned before the end of the decade.
QinetiQ has described the ATD as a modern airborne laboratory replacing older test aircraft. It includes modular cabin racks, workstations, and a new nose system to allow future integration of radars and advanced defensive aids.
“The ATD will allow both the UK and its European partners to mature and iterate Typhoon’s avionics to exploit broader capabilities which ECRS Mk2 brings,” Smith explained.
According to BAE Systems, the radar will enhance Typhoon’s air dominance and suppression of enemy air defences capabilities while supporting UK aerospace jobs. Lessons learned are also expected to feed into the Global Combat Air Programme and future sixth-generation fighter development.
