Boeing unveils Australian-made Loyal Wingman combat drone

Boeing has rolled out the first of its Australian-designed Loyal Wingman combat drones, aimed to be paired with fighter aircraft.

The first Loyal Wingman aircraft, designed and built in Australia. Picture: AAP/Boeing

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has unveiled its first Australian-designed and made aircraft in 50 years – an unmanned system known as the Loyal Wingman.

Using artificial intelligence to extend its capabilities, the drone represents Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside the US.

To be used by the Royal Australian Air Force, the aircraft also serves as the foundation for a new airpower “teaming” system being developed for the global defence market.

The RAAF hopes to work out how best to integrate the 11.5m long drones with fighter jets and other combat aircraft, keeping pilots safe by putting lower cost unmanned planes at risk.

Scott Morrison hailed the aircraft’s development as a “truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation”.

“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,” said the Prime Minister.

The Australian government had invested $40m in the Loyal Wingman which was the first of three prototypes to be delivered.

“Our collaboration with Boeing is about investing in sovereign, future-focused technology that has global export potential, creating hi-tech jobs and economic growth for Australian industry that will be more critical than ever in the weeks and months ahead,” said Mr Morrison.

“Our government’s first priority will always be the safety and security of our nation and its prosperity. That’s why we have responded so resolutely to the challenges of these recent months.”

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of the RAAF, said the rollout of the first aircraft 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.”

The Loyal Wingman prototype will begin ground trials soon. Picture: AAP

With a global market demand for highly capable but affordable unmanned aircraft, Boeing applied company-wide innovation to achieve 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.

Vice president and general manager of autonomous systems for Boeing Defense Space and Security, Kristin Robertson, said they were looking 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 program is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing airpower teaming system,” said Ms Robertson.

The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and first flight later this year.