The ‘MQ-28A Ghost Bat’ is the first Australian-produced military combat aircraft in over 50 years.

Boeing’s military combat drone that was being developed under the Loyal Wingman program name, has now been assigned ‘MQ-28A Ghost Bat’ as the military designator and name by the Australian Government and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The first military combat aircraft to be produced in Australia in over 50 years, it was developed in a timetable of just three years from ideation to first flight. (Boeing)

However the drone will be sold globally under Boeing’s (NYSE: BA) product name of Airpower Teaming System.

Ghost Bat

“Selecting the Ghost Bat, an Australian native mammal known for teaming together in a pack to detect and hunt, reflects the unique characteristics of the aircraft’s sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance abilities, and is a fitting name for this pioneering capability,” said Glen Ferguson, director Airpower Teaming System Australia and International.

“The introduction of the new popular name is a rare and special moment in aviation history for our RAAF partners and industry team of over 35 Australian suppliers,” Ferguson added.

Force Multiplier

The Ghost Bat, or Boeing Airpower Teaming System, is an uncrewed aircraft using artificial intelligence to be a force multiplier – a means to exponentially increase the ability to project force.

It is designed to work as a smart team with existing military aircraft to complement and extend airborne missions.

Some of the specs of the drone as available from the Boeing site are:

• Provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7m) and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles.
• Integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical early warning missions and more.
• Use artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of crewed aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft.

“Our enduring partnership with Commonwealth of Australia and Australian Defence Force (ADF) is fundamental to the successful development of MQ-28A’s complex technologies and capabilities, and has global export potential for Australia,” said Dr Brendan Nelson AO, president Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.

Related Story: Boeing’s AI-Powered Loyal Wingman Drone Completes Maiden Flight In Australia