Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle is ready for different missions through its snap-on nose.
Presented by Boeing Australia to the Royal Australian Air Force in May 2020, Loyal Wingman UAV had its first engine test in September 2020. It was stated that the production facility would be established in Queensland, Australia, Loyal Wingman moved with its own power for the first time in October 2020. It is stated that the development was an important milestone for the aircraft, which is expected to make its first flight this year.
According to the previous releases, the Loyal Wingman UAV would be integrated with sensor packages to be placed in convertible modules that allow intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and tactical early warning missions.
Boeing Defense announced this feature of the Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle in December 2020. It was stated that the Boeing Loyal Wingman UAV has a snap-on nose that allows for rapid replacement by the ground crews, depending on mission requirements.
Designing #LoyalWingman for different missions is a snap, thanks to its snap-on nose that can be swapped out quickly in the field!
Learn more about our unmanned aircraft, which landed a spot on this year's @PopSci ‘Best of What’s New in Aerospace’ list: https://t.co/ow0qB0hvcM pic.twitter.com/qEUw1XGdsS
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 1, 2020
Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle is the first military aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia for more than 50 years. The Loyal Wingman platform is also Boeing’s greatest investment outside the USA. Many companies from Australia join and support the long-standing development work. With the aircraft in the inventory, it is expected to contribute significantly to the capabilities of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Loyal Wingman UAV
The fuselage of Loyal Wingman is made of composite materials using an advanced resin infusion process that provides a lighter and more durable platform. The length of the UAV is 11.7 m and its wingspan is 7.3 m. Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle is said to have the ability to fly at subsonic speed and reach a range of more than 3700 km. The Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicle, together with its artificial intelligence software, has the capacity to fly without further need to depend on others and perform certain maneuvers in the sky.
