“I pushed it to its limits”: On board the maiden flight of the Quadriga Eurofighter

Throughout a test pilot's career, there are certain flights that leave a lasting impression. For Stefan Auer, the first flight in a Quadriga Eurofighter was one of them. Join us as the Airbus Test Pilot recounts his experience.

On any other day, flying the Eurofighter would have been business as usual for Stefan Auer, Test Pilot for Airbus in Manching, Germany.  But 14 July 2026 was far from an ordinary day. It marked the maiden flight of the first Quadriga Eurofighter — the latest tranche of cutting-edge fighter jets set to be delivered to the German Air Force from 2026 onwards.

How does a maiden flight unfold from the pilot's perspective? What was this particular flight like for Stefan Auer, and how does it compare to the many others of his career? We caught up with him after the flight, which was also his first time evaluating a factory-fresh Eurofighter prior to its delivery to the customer — a so-called production flight acceptance test (PFAT).

Stefan Auer, Test Pilot at Airbus, conducted the maiden flight of the first Quadriga Eurofighter.

Stefan, how does it feel to be the pilot on the maiden flight of the Quadriga Eurofighter?

It feels amazing. I'm very happy and glad that everything went so well. This maiden flight is very special to me and I'm very proud of the whole team who worked so hard to make it happen.

What was the objective of this flight?

We conducted a production flight acceptance test. The Quadriga Eurofighters are currently being produced for the German Air Force. Once assembled, every aircraft undergoes a thorough testing programme. The PFAT is the first flight of each aircraft, where all systems are checked with the full flight envelope. The main objective was to demonstrate that the aircraft is airworthy and safe to fly.

What was going through your mind when you got into the aircraft?

Safety was my top priority, so I made sure to double- and triple-check everything. I felt the pressure because so many people had worked hard towards this moment.

Teamwork: Together with the ground crew, Stefan Auer ensures that the Eurofighter is ready for flight.

Can you tell us a bit about the flight?

The flight was the culmination of a lot of work carried out beforehand. The day of the flight was long. We started with a detailed briefing to understand the aircraft and the mission ahead. Then we made our way to the aircraft and checked every detail to ensure that everything was in place and safe.

We put the hardware and software through their paces on the ground and in the air. Among others, we evaluated basic flight characteristics, engine performance, the flight control system, hydraulics, and electrical systems. During the flight, I pushed the jet to its limits, from switching the engines off and on in mid-air to performing manoeuvres under extreme G-forces and flying at supersonic speeds.

Everything went smoothly, and I'm very happy with how the aircraft performed.

What was your experience in the cockpit like?

It felt a little strange, as I'm very familiar with the Eurofighter, but not this particular Quadriga version. I was therefore cautious with every step, making sure that the German Air Force receives an aircraft that is mission-ready from the outset.

Take-off: The first Quadriga Eurofighter goes on its maiden flight.

What are the differences between the Quadriga Eurofighter and aircraft currently in operation?

The Quadriga is intended to replace Tranche 1 of the Eurofighter, which was the first version of the aircraft to be produced. Later tranches already featured incremental enhancements to the aircraft's capabilities. The Quadriga now marks Tranche 4 and boasts numerous upgrades and systems that will make their operational debut in the Eurofighters of the German Air Force. This includes the latest Phase 3 Enhancements to the hardware and software, as well as a new E-Scan radar that will improve air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. 

So, there are plenty of improvements. However, when viewed from the outside, the Quadriga Eurofighter looks almost identical to previous versions.

What impresses you most about this aircraft?

I was very impressed by the quality of the aircraft I flew in today. During a production flight acceptance test — and a maiden flight on top of that — you always find things that need to be adjusted. But I really had nothing major to report when I came back from this flight.

Mission accomplished: the maiden flight was a full success.

When you look back at your flying career, where will this flight rank?

There have been several highlights in my career, such as my first solo flight on a Eurofighter and the first time I led a four-ship formation. This flight is certainly a standout moment of my career as well — it's definitely in my top five.