MQ-28A Ghost Bat
Type: Combat UAV (UCAV)
Domain: air
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing
Overview
Australian-developed unmanned combat aerial vehicle representing world-first loyal wingman concept and major Australian defense industrial achievement. Ghost Bat (formerly Loyal Wingman) developed by Boeing Australia for Royal Australian Air Force as unmanned teammate for manned fighters including F-35A. Features autonomous flight, sensor package, potential weapons carriage, modular mission systems, low-observable design. Range exceeding 3,700 km. First flight 2021 with development ongoing through mid-2020s. Concept involves operating alongside manned fighters providing additional sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, expendable asset for high-risk missions. Represents revolutionary approach to air combat leveraging AI and unmanned systems. Australian design and production provides sovereign capability and potential export opportunities. Programme closely watched globally as model for future air combat.
Technical Specifications
| range | ~3,700 km |
|---|---|
| status | In development / low-rate production |
| payload | Internal modular bay (ISR, EW, weapons) |
| autonomy | AI-driven autonomous teaming with manned fighters |
| max_speed | ~1,100 km/h (estimated) |
| manufacturer | Boeing Australia |
| modular_nose | Rapid mission reconfiguration (ISR, EW, strike) |
Operators
- Australia
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