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2020-06-14

The ‘Loyal Wingman’ Rolls Out

An AI platform developed for the global defence market, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) has been seeking its application in a new drone. Boeing Australia has built the first of three Loyal Wingman aircraft to fly alongside existing platforms.

Defence contractors are increasingly investing in autonomous technology as militaries look globally for a cheaper, safer way to maximise their resources. As the first drone to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, the presentation of the first unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force in May 2020 is a historic milestone for Boeing and for the Commonwealth.

The Loyal Wingman will use artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms, conducting teaming missions while maintaining a safe distance between other aircraft. In providing a disruptive advantage for allied forces, this latest drone addition to Boeing’s defence portfolio represents a significant force multiplier for global customers.

Boeing’s Historic Australian Moment

The purpose-built Loyal Wingman is Boeing’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft programme outside the United States. Missionised to suit country-specific needs, it will provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7m) and flying more than 2,000 nautical miles.

As a combat drone, the Loyal Wingman can fly alongside a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and can integrate sensor packages onboard for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It can also perform tactical early-warning missions and electronic warfare in partnership with aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and E-7 Wedgetail.

“This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation,” said the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia. “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.”

Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld confirmed that the first aircraft roll-out was a significant milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project:

“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together with defence industry,” said Air Marshal Hupfeld. “This demonstrates the importance of the relationship Air Force has with Boeing Australia and defence industry more broadly. I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future.”

Innovative Boeing Production

By using its digital twin to model the Loyal Wingman’s structures, systems, capabilities and full life-cycle requirements, Boeing is matching global market demand to this highly capable but extremely affordable unmanned aircraft. The drone is then manufactured with Boeing’s largest-ever resin-infused single composite piece and assembled using proven advanced manufacturing processes.

“We are proud to take this significant step forward with the Royal Australian Air Force,” said Kristin Robertson, Vice-President and General Manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defence, Space and Security, recognising that more than 35 members of Australian industry are supporting prototype work across four Australian states. “We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving the unmanned teaming concept. We see global allies with those same mission needs, which is why this programme is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.”

BAE Systems has been selected to supply the Loyal Wingman’s unmanned flight vehicle management solution and simulation capability, while delivering flight control computers and navigation equipment.

“I am delighted to be working with Boeing Australia to bring a new defence capability to life that also offers enormous potential for the RAAF as well as future export markets,” confirmed BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer, Gabby Costigan. “This project highlights our commitment to leading the development of new technologies and collaborating to advance autonomous capabilities. It is also an exciting opportunity to work together again, delivering a world-leading program using home-grown engineering expertise.”

The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and first flight later this year. It is left to Boeing Airpower Teaming System Programme Director, Shane Arnott, to affirm the value of the project:

“The Loyal Wingman is a historic development programme for the Australian aerospace industry, Boeing and our entire industry team, and we’ve worked together with speed and agility to deliver this smart unmanned aircraft,” said Arnott. “We’ve leveraged the skills of the local supply chain to build a Loyal Wingman that will work together with other airpower teaming assets to provide an unmatched capability for Australia and for our global customers.”

Reference Text/Photo:

www.boeing.com

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