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Boeing undertakes unmanned fighter-like jet teaming test in Australia

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Boeing Co BA.N said on Wednesday it had completed tests with five surrogate jets operating autonomously in a team in Australia, where it is developing an unmanned fighter-like jet designed to cooperate with manned aircraft.

The 10 days of tests were part of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System program, which has developed prototype “Loyal Wingman” aircraft with the Royal Australian Air Force that can carry weapons and shield manned fighter jets.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services.

As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Emily Hughes, director of Boeing’s Phantom Works International commented, “With the size, number, and speed of aircraft used in the test, this is a very significant step for Boeing and industry in the progress of autonomous mission systems technology”.

Defense contractors are investing increasingly in autonomous technology as militaries around the world look for a cheaper and safer way to maximize their resources.

Hughes said the tests in Australia demonstrated success in applying artificial intelligence algorithms to “teach” the aircraft’s brain to understand what was required of it.

“The data link capabilities enabled the aircraft to communicate with the other platforms so that they could collaborate to achieve a mission,” she said

The Loyal Wingman prototype is expected to make its first flight this year and Boeing sees mass production likely happening by the middle of the decade.

The Loyal Wingman aircraft is 38 feet long (11.6 meters), has a 2,000 nautical mile (3,704 km) range, and a nose that can be removed to fit various payloads.

The 3.4-meter surrogate jets reached speeds of up to 270 kilometers (167 miles) per hour, Boeing said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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