Boeing’s new aircraft, The Loyal Wingman is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years.
Boeing-led Australian industry team has introduced the first unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force. The aircraft utilizes artificial intelligence to increase the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms. It is Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside of the US.
As the first of three prototypes for Australia’s Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program, the aircraft also serves as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed for the global defense market. The rollout of the first aircraft is seen as a significant milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project.
“This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defense innovation,” said 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.”
“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together with the defence industry, This demonstrates the importance of the relationship Air Force has with Boeing Australia and defense industry more broadly. I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future.” – Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force
More than 35 members of the Australian industry are sponsoring prototype work across four Australian states. With the global market demand for highly capable but extremely affordable unmanned aircraft, Boeing used company-wide innovation to accomplish those goals. The aircraft was engineered using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and full life-cycle requirements; 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 and show the potential for smart unmanned teaming to serve as a force multiplier,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defence, Space & Security.
“We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving out the unmanned teaming concept. We see global allies with those same mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.”
The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and a first flight is expected later this year.
