Trailblazing Flight Tests for Boeing’s Next-Gen Uncrewed Teaming Aircraft

Boeing Australia has broadened its flight-testing initiative for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, with two aircraft successfully executing distinct flight missions at the Woomera Range Complex recently.

The initial Loyal Wingman aircraft, created in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), showcased a variety of essential attributes during the trial flights to further extend the flight envelope. A second aircraft also effectively completed its inaugural flight mission.

“It’s incredibly exhilarating to witness two aircraft airborne as the Loyal Wingman continues to thrive in the flight-test program,” stated Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts, RAAF Head of Air Force Capability. “This unlocks substantial capability flexibility for the Air Force, especially with features like the customizable nose.”

“We’re actively involved in the payload evolution and the element of surprise it brings to the battlespace. You can never truly anticipate what’s housed in the nose,” remarked AVM Roberts.

During the flight-test operations, the teams collected aircraft performance analytics that will be utilized to enhance and refine the digital twin of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, aiming to hasten the aircraft’s development wherever feasible. The digital twin encapsulates the system’s entire lifecycle—from conception and development to production and maintenance—contributing to speed and first-attempt quality.

“We’re in a consistent rhythm of flight evaluations on our path to mission and operational testing, allowing Boeing Australia, RAAF, and our collective Australian industry network of over 35 firms to progressively improve the flight traits and capabilities of the uncrewed teaming system,” said Glen Ferguson, director of Boeing Airpower Teaming System – Australia and International. “I want to express my gratitude to our capability partner BAE Systems Australia and to RUAG Australia for their pivotal contributions in this recent test phase.”

The flight tests of the first aircraft included the initial instance of the landing gear being activated and engaged. RUAG Australia provided the landing gear systems for the aircraft, while BAE Systems Australia played a crucial role in the design, supply, and support of the flight control and navigation systems assessed during the flights.

“This is a significant milestone for domestically grown, Australian autonomous capabilities,” remarked BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan. “Our collaboration underscores a mutual dedication to developing sovereign technologies and delivering a state-of-the-art program for the nation’s defense.”

The initial set of Loyal Wingman aircraft are establishing the groundwork for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, which is being designed for diverse global defense clientele. The aircraft will operate in conjunction with various platforms, harnessing artificial intelligence to collaborate with both crewed and uncrewed assets, enhancing mission capabilities.