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The jet-powered Boeing drone uses artificial intelligence to work alongside human pilots for both combat and reconnaissance missions.
The aircraft is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, Boeing said. It represents the company’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside of the United States, supported by more than 35 Australian firms.
The aircraft was engineered using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and full life-cycle requirements. It was manufactured with Boeing’s largest ever resin-infused single composite piece and assembled using advanced manufacturing processes.
“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together with defence industry,” said RAAF chief air marshal Mel Hupfeld. “This demonstrates the importance of the relationship Air Force has with Boeing Australia and defence industry more broadly. I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future.”
The prototype will now go through ground testing, with taxi and first flight planned for later this year.
“We are proud to take this significant step forward with the RAAF and show the potential for smart unmanned teaming to serve as a ‘force multiplier’,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of autonomous systems for Boeing Defence, Space & Security. “We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving out the unmanned teaming concept. We see global allies with those same mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.”
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