Australian pilotless combat jet ------------------------------------- “Loyal Wingman”, a joint project between Boeing and Australia’s military, is a combat drone capable of flying alongside manned aircraft, offering fighter jet-like performance at a much lower cost ------------------------------------- BOEING AIRPOWER TEAMING SYSTEM Range: More than 3,700km Speed: Drone can keep pace with modern fighter aircraft ------------------------------------- Powerplant: Commercial turbofan engine, recessed to reduce infrared signature ------------------------------------- Length: 11.6m Fuselage: Composite materials made using resin-infusion process Payload bay: Capable of accommodating weapons ------------------------------------- Nose: Primary sensor and technology payload provides intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare capabilities. Nose can be rapidly swapped with different payloads between missions ------------------------------------- “LOYAL WINGMAN” CONCEPT Drone’s software allows it to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft ------------------------------------- Drones networked together into swarm to pinpoint and jam enemy radar and missile systems ------------------------------------- Drones can fly ahead to probe enemy defences rather than risking costly aircraft and their crews ------------------------------------- Manned aircraft Control via data link from nearby manned aircraft or ground station Drones capable of shielding aircraft such as F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and E-7 Wedgetail early warning and control planes ------------------------------------- Boeing will use Loyal Wingman as basis for its $400 million U.S. Air Force Skyborg prototype ------------------------------------- Sources: Boeing, IHS Jane’s, Aviation Week, Flight Global, Popular Mechanics © GRAPHIC NEWS words:213