Boeing’s Ghost Bat clocks up the milestones and progresses as Saab Australia gets on board
The first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system, then called Loyal Wingman, took place in February 2021. (Photo: Boeing)
More than 100 hours of physical flight have taken place since the first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) four years ago and this has been underpinned by approximately 20,000 hours of flying the digital twin.
Saab Australia has joined Boeing’s Ghost Team Australia and will provide communications systems and avionics equipment as the Ghost Bat UAS builds up flight hours and progresses on Capability Demonstration 2025.
Systems provided by Saab Australia will include the TactiCall Communications Solution, including user terminals, network and radio infrastructure. The company will also provide avionics equipment such as electro-mechanical actuators and controllers for the primary flight control system from Saab in Sweden.
More than 200 companies have been involved in the MQ-28 programme which is being co-developed by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The number of Australian companies has increased
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
