SYDNEY – An Australian-designed unmanned combat aircraft that uses artificial intelligence technology to target enemies has been unveiled to the public, the first military plane to be designed and built locally in more than half a century. ABC News reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
18 May 2020 -- Developed by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and U.S. manufacturer Boeing, the Loyal Wingman drone has a range of 2,300 miles and eventually is expected to join manned aircraft such as F-35 joint strike fighters into battle.
The working prototype of the Loyal Wingman will begin ground testing, with taxi tests and flight tests due later this year. The RAAF plans to buy three drones, which Boeing calls the Airpower Teaming System (ATS), as part of the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program.
ATS uses artificial intelligence to complement and extend missions flown by traditional combat aircraft. Mass production of the unmanned jet fighter is likely to begin by the middle of the decade.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
