Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force have conducted the first air-to-air live-fire test of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, with the CCA firing an AIM-120 Amraam.
Boeing MQ-28 Block 1 Ghost Bats have completed a series of demonstrations to inform an imminent Australian decision on whether to proceed with a follow-on order.
Boeing says it has deployed its MQ-28 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) for the first time to an operational location, RAAF Tindal AB, where F-35As are based.
With the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail facing a cancellation threat in the U.S., the AEW&C aircraft has demonstrated a new ability to control multiple uncrewed aircraft systems in flight.
The RAAF this year plans to recommend to its government how to move forward on fielding CCAs, with the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat "a very strong contender."
Australia expects to use a series of demos with the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat CCA this year to define its investment plan for such a capability, an official says.
Boeing plans to fire an air-to-air missile from its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft demonstrator late this year or early next, a company official says.
Saab says it will provide TactiCall communications system to the Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat UAS being developed by Boeing, which has also drawn DOD interest.
Australia is working to modernize, upgrade, and strengthen its strategic capabilities across the spectrum of its missions and the work is beginning to show.
EpiSci and PhysicsAI are the first contractors selected for a DARPA program to develop software to enable beyond-visual-range engagement with multiple aircraft.
Australia’s new defense strategy includes pricey acquisitions for both the Australian navy and air force, but data from Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery Military tool suggest that a commensurate increase in aviation-related contract opportunities may not be in the offing.
