// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Ghost Bat
The Ghost Bat is an uncrewed, fighter-like aircraft developed in Australia designed to fly alongside crewed military jets. It acts as an autonomous 'loyal wingman' to assist with missions like surveillance, defense, and electronic warfare.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is an autonomous, stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) developed by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the Airpower Teaming System (ATS) program. Designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or 'loyal wingman', it leverages artificial intelligence to support and augment crewed fighter aircraft such as the F-35A and F/A-18F.
BACKGROUND
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, previously known as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), is a stealth, multirole, unmanned combat aerial vehicle under development by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is designed as a force multiplier aircraft capable of flying alongside crewed aircraft for support as part of an integrated system including space-based capabilities, and performing autonomous missions independently using artificial intelligence.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MQ-28A
- Loyal Wingman
- Airpower Teaming System
- ATS
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft
- CCA
USAGE NOTE
The term highlights the shift towards human-machine teaming in air combat, where autonomous drones multiply the force of crewed aircraft.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Ghost Bat.
The prime contractor responsible for the design, development, and manufacturing of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an uncrewed teaming aircraft developed in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force.
The military service that commissioned the Ghost Bat program (formerly the Loyal Wingman project) and is a key partner in its development, testing, and operational integration.
Part of the Australian Department of Defence, this agency provides scientific and technical support to the Ghost Bat program, particularly in areas of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and sensor fusion.
A key industry partner contributing advanced technologies and systems to the Ghost Bat, including flight control systems and navigation equipment.
A major supplier for the Ghost Bat, responsible for manufacturing and supplying the aircraft's landing gear systems.
An Australian advanced manufacturing company that is part of the Ghost Bat industry team, supplying precision-machined components for the aircraft.
A key Australian industry partner contributing to the program, with expertise in gas-turbine engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and advanced manufacturing.