Boeing (www.boeing.com) recently unveiled its latest unmanned platform, designed for global defence customers by Boeing Australia.

Representing the company’s largest investment in a new unmanned-aircraft programme outside of the USA, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System will complement and extend airborne missions through ‘smart teaming’ with existing military aircraft; the first flight is planned for 2020.

A model of was unveiled at the Australian International Airshow by Christopher Pyne, Australia’s Minister for Defence. The Australian government and Boeing will produce a concept demonstrator called the Loyal Wingman —
Advanced Development Program.

Kristin Robertson, general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems, said: “With its ability to reconfigure quickly and perform different types of missions in tandem with other aircraft, our newest addition to Boeing’s portfolio will truly be a force multiplier, as it protects and projects air power.”

It will provide a fighter-like performance, being 38ft long and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles; it has integrated sensor packages on-board to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions (plus electronic warfare); it uses artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft, while maintaining safe distances between other aircraft.

Marc Allen, president of Boeing International, said: “This aircraft is a historic endeavour for Boeing. Not only is it developed outside the USA, it is also designed so that our global customers can integrate local content to meet their country-specific requirements.

"The Boeing Airpower Teaming System provides a transformational capability in terms of defence; our customers — led by Australia — effectively become partners on the programme, with the ability to grow their own sovereign capabilities to support it, including a high-tech workforce.”