The Loyal Wingman has been designed and built by Boeing Defence Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Government’s Department of Defence.

The Loyal Wingman is an unmanned military aircraft that is designed to fly as a partner with crewed Air Force formations. It is meant to complement and extend manned air combat systems. Tuesday’s successful flight confirmed the possibilities of combining AI and an autonomous system thereby creating smart human-machine teams.

The drone is 11.5 meters long and will have a range of more than 3,700 kilometers. Boeing built the aircraft using a digital model that was complete with structures, systems, capabilities, and full life-cycle requirements.

Furthermore, Boeing assembled the aircraft using advanced manufacturing processes and manufactured it with its largest-ever resin-infused single composite piece.

Maiden unmanned flight

The unmanned aircraft took off by itself from southern Australia’s Woomera Range Complex. It thereupon flew along a programmed route – doing so at various altitudes and speeds.

It then landed without mishap.

Symbol of Australian expertise

“A year ago this was a concept—now it’s a reality—it’s amazing to imagine and then create a new uncrewed aerial capability with our partner Boeing Australia, designed and made right here in Australia,” Air Vice-Marshal Roberts said. “This knowledge will help Defence make more informed decisions about acquiring uncrewed capabilities and systems, including how they can complement our future force structure.”

“As the first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years this is a great leap forward for Australian capability,” said Head of Air Force Capability, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts AM, CSC.

Related Story:  Boeing Delivers AI-Enabled, Jet-Powered Drone to Australian Air Force

Feature Image of Loyal Wingman Drone: Australian Govt- Deptt of Defence