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| MQ-28A Ghost Bat / Boeing |
International Military - The RAAF eventually renamed Boeing's military aircraft, Loyal Wingman, to the MQ-28A Ghost Bat. This unmanned aerial vehicle has officially received the Australian designation MQ-28A Ghost Bat. The official name was announced at a special ceremony held at Royal Australian Air Force Base (RAAF) Amberley, Queensland on 21 March 2022.
The 'Ghost Bat' was first launched into the world in May 2020. It is the first military aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat has an interesting meaning to interpret the drone.
"Choosing the Ghost Bat, a mammal native to Australia known to work together in a pack to detect and hunt, reflects the unique characteristics of the aircraft's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sensors and capabilities, and is a fitting name for this pioneering capability," said Glen Ferguson, Boeing director for Airpower Teaming System Australia and International.
Not only that, the president of Boeing Australia, Dr. Brendan Nelson AO also revealed that there is a possibility that this drone will be exported globally. "Our enduring partnership with the Commonwealth of Australia and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) is fundamental to the successful development of the technology and capabilities of the MQ-28A complex, and has global export potential for Australia," he said.
Quoted from the Eurasian Times, Loyal Wingman's fuselage is made of composite materials using an innovative resin infusion method. This makes the fuselage platform light and sturdy.
The aircraft's cost and agility goals will also be further aided by advanced digital engineering and composite materials.
This drone is 11.7 meters long and 7.3 meters wide. it is capable of flying at subsonic speeds and has a range of over 2,000 kilometers.
AI-assisted autonomous aircraft will be able to fly on their own while maintaining a safe distance from manned aircraft. It will also be equipped with a sensor package that will allow intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as tactical early warning missions to be carried out.