THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT PROGRAMME is a British Aerospace led demonstrator aircraft programme with a major contribution by Aeritalia and involving the equipment industries of the UK, Germany and Italy. The programme part funded by UK MoD(PE) was aimed at developing those technologies necessary for any future advanced fighter aircraft. These included an advanced aerodynamic configuration requiring full authority digital computer-based flight controls. A Utilities and Systems Management System integrated by data bus with avionics to provide the pilot with a modern electric cockpit. Plus the use of advanced materials in primary and secondary structure. The timescale from Contract signature to first flight was three years. Flight Development is continuing.
