AVALON 2023: Ghost Bat breaks cover

AVALON 2023 was in effect the public debut of the Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) that was originally unveiled, in model form, at AVALON 2019.

The aircraft on display in 2023 was the real thing. It is designed with a 3,700km range, ‘fighter-like performance’ (which hasn’t been spelled out) and as a semi-stealthy platform that can carry weapons as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors in rapidly changeable nose pods.

Since the unexpected launch of the program at AVALON 2019, the use of a Ghost Bat Digital Twin has enabled rapid development and testing of things like autonomous behaviours in a variety of scenarios as well as crewed-uncrewed teaming and rapid swapping of payloads.

Prime contractor Boeing used AVALON 2023 as an opportunity to announce its local supply chain for the Ghost bat had risen from 35 to 55 companies, along with an extension to an existing MoU with capability partner BAE Systems Australia as a shared commitment to the development of a sustainable, sovereign MQ-28 program.

“The MOU supports the development and implementation of cutting-edge design and technologies, along with the resources and skills to support autonomy development as the program evolves,” said Ben Hudson, chief executive officer BAE Systems Australia.

BAE Systems Australia is responsible for the Ghost Bat’s Vehicle Management System (VMS) and a young BAE Systems Australia engineer won the prestigious AVALON 2023 Young Innovator Award for his work developing the vehicle control algorithms for the VMS.

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the first Australian-designed, developed and manufactured military combat aircraft in half-a-century. It is described by the RAAF as a ‘pathfinder’ for the integration of autonomous systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create smart human-machine teams. The Ghost Bat will enable Defence, including the RAAF and DSTG, to investigate factors such as the level of automation and autonomy, use of AI and the human-machine teaming concepts that ensure Australia meets its legal and ethical obligations.

“The support of agile local suppliers has been vital to the rapid manufacture of this revolutionary uncrewed aircraft and its payloads, which will support a range of missions,” said Glen Ferguson, director MQ-28 Global Program, Boeing Australia.

“The Boeing MQ-28 program proves Australian industry can create a seamless link between airpower capability needs, local innovation and job opportunities.”

Aircraft development is progressing, with a robust flight test schedule underway and validation of MQ-28’s operational capabilities in an all-digital environment to refine mission sets is ongoing.

“Programs like Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat help to sustain and grow the important relationship Defence has with Australian industry,” said Air Vice-Marshal Wendy Blyth, Head of Air Force Capability, Royal Australian Air Force.

Lovitt Technologies Australia and Marand Precision Engineering are two suppliers applying innovative solutions to develop the fighter-like aircraft with Boeing.

“Providing tooling experience and machined parts for this game-changing air vehicle has been an excellent fit for our capabilities and the technical expertise of our workforce,” said Rohan Stocker, Marand CEO and long-term Boeing supplier.