Boeing: Loyal Wingman Uncrewed Jet Makes Successful Maiden Flight - By Daisy BARRO

 

Loyal Wingman – a first-of-its-kind military aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Australia in more than fifty years – has successfully completed its maiden test flight with no crew onboard.

The extraordinary aircraft is the result of collaboration between Boeing [NYSE:BA] Australia  and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) – a feat which took them only three years to accomplish, from designing the aircraft to its first flight. The flight occurred under the supervision of a Boeing test pilot, who monitored the jet from a ground control station at the Woomera Range Complex.

Leanne Caret, Boeing Defense’ Space & Security President and CEO had this to say concerning this recent development: “Boeing and Australia are pioneering fully integrated combat operations by crewed and uncrewed aircraft. We’re honoured to be opening this part of aviation’s future with the Royal Australian Air Force, and we look forward to showing others how they also could benefit from our loyal wingman capabilities.”

According to Air Vice-Marshall Cath Roberts, RAAF Head of Air Force Capability, “The Loyal Wingman’s first flight is a major step in this long term, significant project for the Air Force and Boeing Australia, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the successful test. The Loyal Wingman project is a pathfinder for the integration of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence to create small human-machine teams.”

With plans for teaming flights already scheduled for later this year, more Loyal Wingman aircraft are on the way. It is expected that this pioneer jet will provide the groundwork for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System presently being put together for various defense customers around the world.