Boeing has announced that its Loyal Wingman unmanned stealth aircraft, developed jointly with the Australian Air Force (RAAF) and with support from BAE Systems was moved under its own power for the first time. It is expected to make its first flight before the end of this year.
Initially traveling at a moderate top speed of 14 knots (approximately 26 km/h), the futuristic device demonstrated various activities while turning on command and stopping several times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqjQC1F0zHY&feature=emb_logo “It was an exciting moment to bring our prototype to the runway for this slow cab test – another important development milestone before its first flight. Now we were able to verify the function and integration of the aircraft systems, including steering, brakes and engine controls, with the engine running and in motion,” said Paul Ryder, Boeing Australia’s flight test manager. Three Loyal Wingman prototypes form the basis for the so-called “Airpower Teaming System”, which Boeing will offer to its customers worldwide. The aircraft will fly alongside other 5th and later 6th generation platforms and use artificial intelligence for colloborative teaming – just like a wingman. It will have advanced design and flight characteristics, including a modular usable fuselage forward section that can be adapted to specific mission needs. For now, it is noted that only “conventional take-offs and landings are planned”, with the size of the device appearing at first glance to be suitable for carrying in another aircraft, at best for bombers. Various Wingmen projects are or were based on devices that could be carried and deployed by manned aircraft.
BAE Systems is also a key partner (and investor) in Loyal Wingmen. Based on the expertise gained around its own UCAV Taranis – also tested in Australia – BAE Systems is providing the unmanned flight management and simulation part. To this end, the Brits are providing more than a dozen guidance, navigation, control and software development experts (five of whom have PHDs) to work on the project to deliver flight control computers and navigation equipment, as well as a team of supporting engineers to develop a “specialized payload” for the aircraft. This doesn’t necessarily mean just weapons, initially various sensors for reconnaissance, EloKa, ELINT and the like will probably be fitted. The secure data link connections for teaming with the “mother ship” and ground control are also a major issue, as the wingmen are supposed to remain loyal. Incidentally, the prototype is the first military aircraft to be developed and built entirely in Australia in more than 50 years. Update March 2021: Here you can already see a video of the maiden flight.
Here for more news about Boeing and here to further news from BAE Systems.
