Boeing heads to Toowoomba for Ghost Bat production in another coup for Wagners

For the first time in more than 50 years, a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and built in Australia. This is what it looks like.

It looks like a cross between the Batmobile and a flying saucer, and it’s coming soon to the skies over southern Queensland.

Boeing’s futuristic MQ-28 ghost bat aircraft will be manufactured at a $550m new facility at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport, in a huge coup for owners the Wagner Corporation.

It is the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and built in Australia.

Boeing Defence Australia managing director Amy List said the MQ-28 was designed to transform air combat at a fraction of the cost of a new F-35 fighter jet.

“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the time frame that supports our customers’ future needs,” said Ms List.

“We’re partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”

A ghost bat prototype taking off. Picture: Supplied

Ms List confirmed Wagner Corporation would develop and manage construction of the facility at their Toowoomba precinct and work with Boeing to incorporate renewable technologies and human-centric design.

Essentially a sophisticated drone, the ghost bat used artificial intelligence to work as a “smart team” with existing military aircraft to complement and extend airborne missions.

Described as “low cost”, the ghost bat was intended to be used on the front line, in a tactical early warning capacity or for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said the potential for Boeing to co-locate alongside suppliers, attracted the company to Wellcamp business park.

“We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part of this growth sector,” said Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner.

“This will cement Toowoomba and Wellcamp Business Park as a nucleus for aerospace and defence advanced manufacturing, creating global export opportunities for Australia’s supply chain.”

Denis Wagner said the technology for the ghost bat was developed in Queensland, and prototypes were built interstate, but the final product will come out of Wellcamp.

“The first facility should be built in less than 12 months, and the first aircraft should be out within three years,” said Mr Wagner.

“We’re very proud of this, and we really appreciate the confidence Boeing and the Queensland government have shown in the Wagner Corporation, in Wellcamp Airport to back us on this project.”

How the Boeing production facility will look on completion at Wellcamp Airport.

The Wagners famously built Wellcamp Airport in under two years, and now offer regular flights into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Townsville, plus many other regional centres.

Mr Wagner said they would employ 200 people directly on construction, and about 100 full-time positions were expected to be created once stage one of the facility was operational.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the economic benefit to the state was estimated to be in the vicinity of $1bn over ten years.

“A project of this magnitude firmly establishes Queensland as Australia’s prime location for significant, high-tech, advanced manufacturing projects,” Mr Dick said.