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Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat

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MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat during a high-speed taxi test
Role Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
National origin Australia
Manufacturer
First flight 27 February 2021[1][2]
Introduction 2024-25 (planned)
Status Under development / testing
Primary user Royal Australian Air Force
Number built 8[3]

TheBoeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat,previously known as theBoeing Airpower Teaming System(ATS), is aLoyal Wingmanclassstealth,multirole,unmanned combat aerial vehiclein development byBoeing Australiafor theRoyal Australian Air Force(RAAF). It is designed as a force multiplier aircraft capable of flying alongside crewed aircraft for support as part of an integrated system including space-based capabilities,[4]and performing autonomous missions independently usingartificial intelligence.[5]

Design and development

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The Ghost Bat is anuncrewed aerial vehicleincorporatingartificial intelligenceand utilising a modular mission package system in the nose of the aircraft. The entire nose section can be removed and quickly swapped for another with a different payload for various missions including combat, force reconnaissance and electronic warfare.[6]Developed under Air Force Minor Program DEF 6014, one role will be to utilise the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept to support and protect mannedRoyal Australian Air Force(RAAF) aircraft, such as theF-35A,F/A-18F,E-7A,andKC-30Awhile they conduct operations.[7]

The UAV is designed to act as a "loyal wingman" that is controlled by a parent aircraft to accomplish tasks such as scouting or absorbing enemy fire if attacked, as well as operating independently.[8][9]It has a range of more than 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi).[10][11]The UAV'sjet engineallows it to fly in the highsubsonicflight regime and keep up with manned fighters.[12]Boeing has said it has 'fighter-like' maneuverability.[12]The MQ-28A prototype did not use anyradiation-absorbent material(RAM) coating and instead relied on its shape to reduce itsradar cross section(RCS).[12]The aircraft wing is Boeing's largest resin-infused single composite component, leveraging proven technology from the trailing edges of Boeing 787 wings trailing edge.[13]Three key manufacturing innovations were incorporated in the areas of robotic drill and fill, shimless assembly, and full-size determinant assembly.[13]

The aircraft is the first combat aircraft designed and developed in Australia in over half a century.[14]In February 2019, Boeing said that it will "depend on the market" whether the aircraft is manufactured inQueenslandor the US.[8]Ghost Bat will remain a sovereign Australian program, with aircraft only being produced in Australia and the lead partner on the program being the RAAF.[4]On 21 September 2021,Boeing Australiaunveiled the launch of a new manufacturing facility for its Loyal Wingman uncrewed aircraft atWellcamp AirportinToowoomba,Queensland.[15]On 4 November 2021, Boeing Australia announced the Melbourne facility had already commenced construction of its fifth aircraft whilst the new Toowoomba facility is under construction.[13]On 26 March 2024, Boeing Australia announced the start of construction on a 9000 square-meter facility to support construction of the Ghost Bat.[16]

The RAAF initially planned to buy three Airpower Teaming System (ATS) systems, as part of the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program (LWADP).[17]The three drones were built at an automated production line in Melbourne, Victoria, a proof of concept for full-scale production.[6][18]The order was increased to six with an A$115 million contract days after the first flight.[19]As of 9 May 2023, the Australian government confirmed its commitment to funding 10 aircraft for the RAAF,[4][20]not including three prototypes that will not be owned by the government or operated by the RAAF, taking the government’s total investment in the Loyal Wingman program to over A$600 million. The uncrewed platforms are scheduled to enter service with the RAAF in 2024-25.[21]

Testing and other possible uses

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After a full-scale mock-up was revealed at the 2019 Avalon Airshow, the first real aircraft achieved a power-on of its systems in March 2020, and was rolled out in May 2020 by Boeing Australia with the release of images showing a detailed prototype of the aircraft and a video to illustrate the drone's operational abilities. In May 2022, Australian Prime MinisterScott Morrisonsaid "This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation. The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future."[22]

Boeing announced it powered up the engine of its first Airpower Teaming System (ATS) uncrewed aircraft for the first time in September 2020. The engine test was part of ground testing to prepare for its first flight before the end of 2020.[23]

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) prototype moved under its own power for the first time in October 2020, conducting low-speed taxi tests atRAAF Base Amberley.[24]The Boeing Airpower Teaming System later performed a high-speed taxi test at an unnamed remote location in December 2020.[25]

The first test flight of the prototype occurred atRAAF Base Woomeraon 27 February 2021.[1][2]

Two more test flights occurred atRAAF Woomera Range Complexsometime in early November 2021 where a prototype successfully raised and engaged its landing gear while a second prototype completed its first test flight.[26]

An official naming ceremony was held at RAAF Base Amberley on 21 March 2022 to announce the Loyal Wingman will be known as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat in RAAF service, named after an Australian bat found in northern parts of the Australian continent. Theghost batis an Australian native mammal known for teaming together in a pack to detect and hunt, which reflects the unique characteristics of the aircraft’s sensors and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance abilities.[27]

In August 2022, it was revealed byUnited States Secretary of the Air ForceFrank Kendallthat preliminary discussions were being held about purchasing the MQ-28 for US service.[28][29]The 2023 Defence budget revealed that a Combat Collaborative Aircraft Project Arrangement for greater collaboration on the MQ-28 had been signed with the US in line with the recommendations made in the Defence Strategic Review.[4]

In February 2024, the Australian Government announced a further A$400 million in funding for three more aircraft, built to the new "Block 2" standard.[30][31]The announced improvements included developments to the sensors, mission payloads, integrated combat system and the autonomous systems.[32]

Specifications

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Data fromAir International[33]

General characteristics

  • Crew:None
  • Length:11.7[10]m (38 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan:7.3[34]m (23 ft 11 in)

Performance

  • Range:3,700 km (2,300 mi, 2,000 nmi)

See also

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References

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  1. ^abWaldron, Greg (2 March 2021)."Australian 'loyal wingman' to form basis of Boeing Skyborg bid".FlightGlobal.Archivedfrom the original on 2 March 2021.Retrieved2 March2021.
  2. ^ab"Boeing Loyal Wingman Uncrewed Aircraft Completes First Flight".Boeing.1 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 23 November 2023.Retrieved16 May2021.
  3. ^"Update: Australia funds three MQ-28A Block 2 aircraft, key systems".Janes.12 February 2024.Retrieved22 June2024.
  4. ^abcdPittaway, Nigel (25 May 2023)."Ghost Bat program a priority".The Australian.Archivedfrom the original on 25 May 2023.
  5. ^"MQ-28".Boeing.Archivedfrom the original on 5 October 2023.Retrieved16 May2021.
  6. ^abRogoway, Tyler (4 May 2020)."Everything We Learned From Boeing About Its Potentially Game-Changing Loyal Wingman Drone".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on 5 October 2023.Retrieved23 May2020.
  7. ^Tiwari, Sakshi (7 October 2022)."US Bets Big on Australian 'Ghost Bat' Drone To Partner USAF's Sixth-Gen Fighter Jet, The NGAD — Reports".EurAsian Times.Archivedfrom the original on 29 September 2023.
  8. ^abPittaway, Nigel (27 February 2019)."Boeing unveils 'loyal wingman' drone".Defense News.Archivedfrom the original on 8 March 2020.
  9. ^Rogoway, Tyler; Trevithick, Joseph (27 February 2019)."Boeing Will Unveil This 'Loyal Wingman' Combat Drone For Australia's Air Force Tomorrow".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  10. ^abc"MQ-28".Boeing.Retrieved19 July2024.
  11. ^"Ghost Bat".Royal Australian Air Force.Retrieved19 July2024.
  12. ^abc"The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, Unmanned Systems and the Future of Australian Air Power".YouTube.Retrieved10 August2023.[unreliable source?]
  13. ^abc"Boeing's Melbourne facility commences fifth Loyal Wingman - Australian Defence Magazine".www.australiandefence.com.au.Retrieved30 March2024.
  14. ^Greene, Andrew (27 February 2019)."First glimpse of combat drone set to join Australia's military arsenal".ABC News.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  15. ^Dowling, Hannah (22 September 2021)."World First: Wellcamp to host Loyal Wingman manufacturing facility".Australian Aviation.Archivedfrom the original on 22 September 2021.
  16. ^Kind, Rebecca."Construction Begins on New Boeing MQ-28 Production Facility in Queensland".Boeing Australia.Retrieved26 March2024.
  17. ^McLaughin, Andrew (5 May 2020)."First RAAF Loyal Wingman unmanned combat system rolled out".Australian Defence Business Review.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  18. ^Boeing Australia (1 November 2021)."Boeing's Melbourne team key to Loyal Wingman prototype design and manufacture".Boeing Australia.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 26 March 2023.Retrieved30 March2024.
  19. ^"Three More Loyal Wingman Aircraft to Advance Uncrewed Teaming".Boeing.2 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 31 March 2023.Retrieved16 May2021.
  20. ^Portfolio Budget Statements 2023-24 Budget Related Paper No.1.4A; Defence Portfolio(PDF).Commonwealth of Australia. 2023. p. 119.ISBN9781925890631.Retrieved23 June2024.
  21. ^Dowling, Hannah (18 May 2022)."Government backtracks on Loyal Wingman order figures".Australian Aviation.Archivedfrom the original on 7 December 2023.
  22. ^Insinna, Valerie (5 May 2020)."Boeing rolls out Australia's first 'Loyal Wingman' combat drone".Defense News.Archivedfrom the original on 5 May 2020.
  23. ^McLaughin, Andrew (15 September 2020)."Boeing ATS Loyal Wingman engine powers up".Australian Defence Business Review.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  24. ^McLaughin, Andrew (22 October 2020)."Boeing ATS conducts low-speed taxi tests".Australian Defence Business Review.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  25. ^"Boeing Uncrewed Loyal Wingman Conducts First High-Speed Taxi Test".Boeing.21 December 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  26. ^Dowling, Hannah (4 November 2021)."Loyal Wingman program hits new milestone with 2 new test flights".Australian Aviation.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2023.
  27. ^"Boeing's Australian-Produced Uncrewed Aircraft to be Named 'MQ-28A Ghost Bat'".Boeing.21 March 2022.Archivedfrom the original on 28 June 2023.Retrieved21 March2022.
  28. ^Insinna, Valerie (22 August 2022)."RAAF head won't be deterred by 'unsafe' PLAAF; US ponders Aussies' Loyal Wingman".Breaking Defense.Archivedfrom the original on 31 August 2022.Retrieved27 August2022.
  29. ^Newdick, Thomas (24 August 2022)."USAF Eyeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat For Next Gen Air Dominance Program".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on 29 December 2023.Retrieved27 August2022.
  30. ^Waldron, Greg (9 February 2024)."Canberra funds three more MQ-28A Ghost Bats".Flight Global.Retrieved11 February2024.
  31. ^Clark, Colin (9 February 2024)."Aussies add $400M AUD for Boeing's Ghost Bat loyal wingman, to unveil an armed UAV this year".Breaking Defense.Retrieved11 February2024.
  32. ^"Further $400 million invested in Ghost Bat development".Australian Defence Magazine.9 February 2024.Retrieved11 February2024.
  33. ^Pittaway, Nigel (April 2019). "Loyal Wingman".Air International.Vol. 96, no. 4. pp. 12–13.ISSN0306-5634.
  34. ^"Loyal Wingman Unmanned Aircraft System, Australia".
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