Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat explained

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, previously known as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), is a Loyal Wingman class stealth, multirole, unmanned combat aerial vehicle in development by Boeing Australia for the Royal 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,[1] and performing autonomous missions independently using artificial intelligence.[2]

Design

The Ghost Bat is an uncrewed aerial vehicle incorporating artificial intelligence and 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. 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 manned Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, such as the F-35A, F/A-18F, E-7A, and KC-30A while they conduct operations.[3]

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.[4] [5] It has a range of more than 2000nmi.[6] [7] The UAV's jet engine allows it to fly in the high subsonic flight regime and keep up with manned fighters. Boeing has said it has 'fighter-like' maneuverability. The MQ-28A prototype did not use any radiation-absorbent material (RAM) coating and instead relied on its shape to reduce its radar cross section (RCS).[8] 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.[9] Three key manufacturing innovations were incorporated in the areas of robotic drill and fill, shimless assembly, and full-size determinant assembly.

Development

The aircraft is the first combat aircraft designed and developed in Australia in over half a century.[10] In February 2019, Boeing said that it will "depend on the market" whether the aircraft is manufactured in Australia or the US.[4] 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. On 4 November 2021, Boeing Australia announced the Melbourne facility had already commenced construction of its fifth aircraft. On 26 March 2024, Boeing Australia announced the start of construction on a 9000 square-meter facility to support construction of the Ghost Bat.[11] This facility had initially been announced on 21 September 2021.[12]

The RAAF initially planned to buy three Airpower Teaming System (ATS) systems, as part of the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program (LWADP).[13] These three drones were built at an automated production line in Melbourne, Victoria.[14] [15] The order was increased to six with an A$115 million contract days after the first flight.[16] As of 9 May 2023, the Australian government confirmed its commitment to funding 10 aircraft for the RAAF,[1] [17] not including three prototypes that will not be owned by the government or operated by the RAAF. This takes 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.[18]

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.[19] [20] The announced improvements included developments to the sensors, mission payloads, integrated combat system and the autonomous systems.[21]

Testing and other possible uses

After a full-scale mock-up was revealed at the 2019 Avalon Airshow, the first prototype 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 Minister Scott Morrison reflected "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 at RAAF 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 at RAAF Base Woomera on 27 February 2021.[26] [27]

Two more test flights occurred at RAAF Woomera Range Complex sometime in early November 2021 where a prototype successfully raised and engaged its landing gear while a second prototype completed its first test flight.[28]

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. The ghost bat is 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.[29]

In August 2022, it was revealed by United States Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall that preliminary discussions were being held about purchasing the MQ-28 for US service.[30] [31] 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.[1]

In July 2024, after a visit to the Ghost Bat facility in Melbourne, the Australian Assistant Minister for Defence clarified that there is an option to arm the UAV in the future in addition to its reconnaissance and surveillance roles.[32]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Pittaway . Nigel . 25 May 2023 . Ghost Bat program a priority . live . https://archive.today/20230525072754/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/ghost-bat-program-a-priority/news-story/84c1dbc7290e4abc7dc7245c9cfc62ab?amp&nk=6e3bc6f928d0a290c2c8228bd8673d05-1684999680 . 25 May 2023 . The Australian.
  2. Web site: MQ-28 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231005132310/https://www.boeing.com/defense/MQ-28/index.page . 5 October 2023 . 16 May 2021 . Boeing.
  3. Web site: Tiwari . Sakshi . 7 October 2022 . US Bets Big on Australian 'Ghost Bat' Drone To Partner USAF's Sixth-Gen Fighter Jet, The NGAD — Reports . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230929135038/https://www.eurasiantimes.com/us-bets-big-on-australian-ghost-bat-drone-to-partner-usafs-sixth/ . 29 September 2023 . EurAsian Times . en.
  4. News: Pittaway . Nigel . 27 February 2019 . Boeing unveils 'loyal wingman' drone . live . https://archive.today/20200308070205/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/avalon/2019/02/27/boeing-unveils-loyal-wingman-drone/ . 8 March 2020 . Defense News.
  5. Web site: Rogoway . Tyler . Trevithick . Joseph . 27 February 2019 . Boeing Will Unveil This 'Loyal Wingman' Combat Drone For Australia's Air Force Tomorrow . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812144110/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26656/boeing-will-unveil-this-loyal-wingman-combat-drone-for-australias-air-force-tomorrow . 12 August 2023 . The Drive.
  6. Web site: MQ-28 . Boeing . 19 July 2024.
  7. Web site: Ghost Bat . Royal Australian Air Force . 19 July 2024.
  8. Web site: The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, Unmanned Systems and the Future of Australian Air Power . . 14 January 2023 . 2023-08-10 . en.
  9. Web site: Boeing's Melbourne facility commences fifth Loyal Wingman - Australian Defence Magazine . 2024-03-30 . www.australiandefence.com.au . en.
  10. News: Greene . Andrew . 27 February 2019 . First glimpse of combat drone set to join Australia's military arsenal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812143649/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-27/combat-drone-secretly-developed-by-raaf-and-boeing-unveiled/10851000 . 12 August 2023 . ABC News . en-AU.
  11. Web site: Kind . Rebecca . Construction Begins on New Boeing MQ-28 Production Facility in Queensland . Boeing Australia . 26 March 2024.
  12. Web site: Dowling . Hannah . 22 September 2021 . World First: Wellcamp to host Loyal Wingman manufacturing facility . live . Australian Aviation . https://web.archive.org/web/20210922134240/https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/09/world-first-wellcamp-to-host-loyal-wingman-manufacturing-facility/ . 22 September 2021.
  13. Web site: McLaughin . Andrew . 5 May 2020 . First RAAF Loyal Wingman unmanned combat system rolled out . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812143312/https://adbr.com.au/first-raaf-loyal-wingman-unmanned-combat-system-rolled-out/ . 12 August 2023 . Australian Defence Business Review.
  14. Web site: Rogoway . Tyler . 4 May 2020 . Everything We Learned From Boeing About Its Potentially Game-Changing Loyal Wingman Drone . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231005025953/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33271/everything-we-learned-from-boeing-about-its-potentially-game-changing-loyal-wingman-drone . 5 October 2023 . 23 May 2020 . The Drive.
  15. Web site: Boeing Australia . 1 November 2021 . Boeing's Melbourne team key to Loyal Wingman prototype design and manufacture . https://web.archive.org/web/20230326230654/https://www.boeing.com.au/featured-content/boeings-melbourne-team-key-to-loyal-wingman-prototype-design-and-manufacture.page . 26 March 2023 . 30 March 2024 . Boeing Australia.
  16. Web site: 2 March 2021 . Three More Loyal Wingman Aircraft to Advance Uncrewed Teaming . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331092815/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130835 . 31 March 2023 . 16 May 2021 . Boeing.
  17. Book: Portfolio Budget Statements 2023-24 Budget Related Paper No.1.4A; Defence Portfolio . 2023 . Commonwealth of Australia . 978-1-925890-63-1 . 119 . 23 June 2024.
  18. Web site: Dowling . Hannah . 18 May 2022 . Government backtracks on Loyal Wingman order figures . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207202427/https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/05/government-backtracks-on-loyal-wingman-order-figures/ . 7 December 2023 . Australian Aviation.
  19. Web site: Waldron . Greg . 2024-02-09 . Canberra funds three more MQ-28A Ghost Bats . 2024-02-11 . Flight Global . en.
  20. Web site: Clark . Colin . 2024-02-09 . Aussies add $400M AUD for Boeing's Ghost Bat loyal wingman, to unveil an armed UAV this year . 2024-02-11 . Breaking Defense . en-US.
  21. News: Further $400 million invested in Ghost Bat development . 9 February 2024 . 2024-02-11 . Australian Defence Magazine . en.
  22. Web site: Insinna . Valerie . 5 May 2020 . Boeing rolls out Australia's first 'Loyal Wingman' combat drone . live . https://archive.today/20200505081245/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/04/boeing-rolls-out-australias-first-loyal-wingman-combat-drone/ . 5 May 2020 . Defense News.
  23. Web site: McLaughin . Andrew . 15 September 2020 . Boeing ATS Loyal Wingman engine powers up . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812164254/https://adbr.com.au/ats-loyal-wingman-engine-powers-up/ . 12 August 2023 . Australian Defence Business Review.
  24. Web site: McLaughin . Andrew . 22 October 2020 . Boeing ATS conducts low-speed taxi tests . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812171135/https://adbr.com.au/boeing-ats-conducts-low-speed-taxi-tests/ . 12 August 2023 . Australian Defence Business Review.
  25. Web site: 21 December 2020 . Boeing Uncrewed Loyal Wingman Conducts First High-Speed Taxi Test . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812143835/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130788#assets_20295_130788-117 . 12 August 2023 . Boeing.
  26. Web site: Waldron . Greg . 2 March 2021 . Australian 'loyal wingman' to form basis of Boeing Skyborg bid . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302113816/https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/australian-loyal-wingman-to-form-basis-of-boeing-skyborg-effort/142689.article . 2 March 2021 . 2 March 2021 . FlightGlobal.
  27. Web site: 1 March 2021 . Boeing Loyal Wingman Uncrewed Aircraft Completes First Flight . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123123324/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130834 . 23 November 2023 . 16 May 2021 . Boeing.
  28. Web site: Dowling . Hannah . 4 November 2021 . Loyal Wingman program hits new milestone with 2 new test flights . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812143611/https://australianaviation.com.au/2021/11/loyal-wingman-program-hits-new-milestone-with-two-new-test-flights/ . 12 August 2023 . Australian Aviation.
  29. Web site: 21 March 2022 . Boeing's Australian-Produced Uncrewed Aircraft to be Named 'MQ-28A Ghost Bat' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628001243/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131020 . 28 June 2023 . 21 March 2022 . Boeing.
  30. Web site: Insinna . Valerie . 22 August 2022 . RAAF head won't be deterred by 'unsafe' PLAAF; US ponders Aussies' Loyal Wingman . live . https://archive.today/20220831011122/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/raaf-head-wont-be-deterred-by-unsafe-plaaf-us-ponders-aussies-loyal-wingman/ . 31 August 2022 . 27 August 2022 . Breaking Defense . en-US.
  31. Web site: Newdick . Thomas . 24 August 2022 . USAF Eyeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat For Next Gen Air Dominance Program . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229013254/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/usaf-might-buy-mq-28-ghost-bats-for-next-gen-air-dominance-program . 29 December 2023 . 27 August 2022 . The Drive . en.
  32. Web site: Clark . Colin . 2024-07-24 . Aussie defense industry minister says Ghost Bat could carry lethal loads . 2024-07-25 . Breaking Defense . en-US.

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