In early May, an Australian team led by Boeing presented the first Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force. The aircraft, which uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of both manned and unmanned platforms, is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It is Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside the United States.

This is the first of three prototypes in the Loyal Wingman advanced development program in Australia. The aircraft will also serve as the basis for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed for the global defence market.

“This is a historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation,” said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. “Loyal Wingman will be fundamental in exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies in the future.”

Mel Hupfeld, head of the Royal Australian Air Force, said the deployment of the first aircraft was an important milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project:

“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved in collaboration with the defence industry.”

More than 35 members of Australian industry are supporting prototyping work in four Australian states. With a global market demand for high performance but extremely affordable unmanned aerial vehicles, Boeing has applied company-wide innovation to achieve these goals. The aircraft was designed using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and requirements over its entire life cycle; manufactured with Boeing’s largest single resin composite part; and assembled using advanced manufacturing processes.

Kristin Robertson, Vice President and General Manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defence, Space & Security said. :

“We look forward to flight testing the aircraft and proving the unmanned team concept. We see global allies with similar mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advance the development of the Boeing Airpower cooperation system.

The Loyal Wingman prototype is now moving into ground testing, followed by a taxi and first flight later this year.

In early May, an Australian team led by Boeing presented the first Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle to the Royal Australian Air Force. The aircraft, which uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of both manned and unmanned platforms, is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It is Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside the United States.

This is the first of three prototypes in Australia’s Loyal Wingman advanced development program. The aircraft will also serve as the basis for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed for the global defence market.

“This is a historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation,” said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. “Loyal Wingman will be fundamental in exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies in the future.”

Mel Hupfeld, head of the Royal Australian Air Force, said the deployment of the first aircraft was an important milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project:

“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved in collaboration with the defence industry.”

More than 35 Australian industry members are supporting prototyping work in four Australian states. With a global market demand for high-performance, yet extremely affordable unmanned aircraft, Boeing has applied company-wide innovation to achieve these goals. The aircraft was designed using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and requirements over its entire life cycle; manufactured with Boeing’s largest single resin composite part; and assembled using advanced manufacturing processes.

Kristin Robertson, Vice President and General Manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defence, Space & Security said. :

“We look forward to flight testing the aircraft and proving the concept of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team. We see global allies with similar mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advance the development of the Boeing Airpower cooperation system.

The Loyal Wingman prototype is now moving into ground trials, followed by a taxi and first flight later this year.

Translated from Avion sans pilote : Boeing dévoile le premier de ses Loyal Wingman