Jet-Fighter Drone

Boeing and Loyal Wingman are cooperatively developing an unmanned jet-fighter drone with AI. In the future, it should be used to escort other drones and even planes with humans on board./i>

Credit: Boeing Australia

• Be also sure to check out my other posts and follow me @kralizec and subscribe to my Youtube channel at Kralizec Gaming Youtube Channel

The era of autonomous jet drones fighting in the skies is almost upon us. One big milestone to achieve this was recently accomplished by Boeing Australia as their Loyal Wingman drone tried out for the very first time its engines. On an unspecified day in September 2020, it started its commercial turbocharged engine. This successful test means it will soon go on and try out real flying.

Loyal Wingman is being developed for the global market and at the same time, it is being developed for the primary customer which is the Royal Australian Air Force. Three prototypes will be created as part of the Australian program Advanced Development Program. The goal of the program is to create a supporting jet-fighter drone with AI that accompanies other drones into missions and over time even manned aircraft.

Currently, the Advanced Development Program includes a coalition of 16 Australian companies that work on – for example – digital engineering, advanced composite materials, and sophisticated sensors.

For the time being, the armaments for the Loyal Wingman drone aren’t set. But it almost sure that it will include systems for electronic combat and arrays of advanced sensors that will find their use in both regular flight and on intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

As Shane Arnott – the director of Boeing Airpower Teaming System – said, the engine test was successful, mainly because of the cooperation of all the teams involved. It is a major milestone towards the first flight of the drone which should take place soon.

Sources:

• If you like the content I’m producing about science maybe you will like the content I produce about gaming as well! Be sure to check out my other posts!