Yesterday, the first unmanned Loyal Wingman was presented to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a milestone for Boeing and the Commonwealth and a major innovation step in the Defence sector.
This Boeing project, which involves more than 35 Australian industry partners, is called “Loyal Wingman-Advanced Development Program”. It is planned to build three UAVs to deliver to the RAAF, whose goal will be to replace manned aircraft that function as “wings” (wingman) in support of fighter aircraft missions.
“We are proud to take this significant step forward with the Royal Australian Air Force and show the potential for smart unmanned teaming to serve as a force multiplier”, said Kristin Robertson, Vice-President and General Manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving out the unmanned teaming concept”, acrescentou.
This drone, which uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms, is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It is also Boeing’s largest investment in unmanned aircraft outside the United States of America.