- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
- Messages
- 2,841
- Reaction score
- 287
The Boeing "Drone" developed for the RAAF.
It makes me wonder what the USAF may already have in operation.
It makes me wonder what the USAF may already have in operation.
sferrin said:Nice.
Flyaway said:I wonder if this is the program U.K. government might be trying to buy their way into?
coanda said:Flyaway said:I wonder if this is the program U.K. government might be trying to buy their way into?
I wouldn't be surprised at all. I notice that an announcement was recently made about a swarming UAS squadron being stood up by the RAF, but no details were given.
TomS said:coanda said:Flyaway said:I wonder if this is the program U.K. government might be trying to buy their way into?
I wouldn't be surprised at all. I notice that an announcement was recently made about a swarming UAS squadron being stood up by the RAF, but no details were given.
I think the UK concept is something else. Williamson referred to hundreds of swarming drones. No way the RAF is buying hundreds of Loyal Wingman type drones the size of manned fighters. Probably something more like Gremlin.
Source: http://thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26656/boeing-will-unveil-this-loyal-wingman-combat-drone-for-australias-air-force-tomorrowThe Drive said:UPDATE: 3:47pm PST—
Some basic facts about the Air Airpower Teaming System:
Boeing will be able to adapt the technology for foreign customers far easier than developing and building in the United States.
- It is built in Australia and intended for export around the globe. Exports will be easier without having to go through U.S. FMS process.
- A prototype is being built now.
- Can fly with or without a manned partner.
- Has a range of roughly 2,000 miles.
- Is 38 feet long and uses a bizjet class engine.
- Will team with E-7, EA-18G, F/A-18E/F, and P-8 Poseidon.
- Modular design for 'snap-in' payloads and rapid reconfiguration capability.
- Initial configuration will be sensor/intelligence and electronic warfare focused.
- Controlled via ground station, other aircraft, and has some level of autonomy that can scale for the mission.
- Design was based mainly on what would be attractive to a global market full of cash-strapped air arms.
- Will be tested over Australia's vast deserts where there is tons of room for experimentation. (Probably based out of Woomera)
- The technology and development will be sourced locally in Australia.
You can read more here at Aviation Week's embargoed exclusive. I will be doing a big picture analysis soon that addresses issues not discussed in that report.
litzj said:why Boeing threw flying-wing design? it is interesting
litzj said:why Boeing threw flying-wing design? it is interesting
O RLY?FighterJock said:Certainly is an interesting design, it is strange that they have managed to design and build a UAV without anyone knowing about it.
Steven said:The configuration is certainly reminiscent of McDonnell Douglas' JAST proposal, and I wouldn't be surprised if Boeing recycled some of that design here.
litzj said:why Boeing threw flying-wing design? it is interesting
Perhaps it is expected to have some air combat capabilities? With this configuration I wonder if it's designed to achieve supersonic flight; it would certainly make more sense for this airplane than for Sukhoi's S-70.
Jeb said:Steven said:The configuration is certainly reminiscent of McDonnell Douglas' JAST proposal, and I wouldn't be surprised if Boeing recycled some of that design here.
litzj said:why Boeing threw flying-wing design? it is interesting
Perhaps it is expected to have some air combat capabilities? With this configuration I wonder if it's designed to achieve supersonic flight; it would certainly make more sense for this airplane than for Sukhoi's S-70.
Not if it's running a business jet engine.
Archibald said:Wow, Australia pioneering large combat drones - with Boeing. Why is Australia so in need for large drones (this one, Reaper, Poseidon...) ? Because continent size country, not many people ? something else ?
Interesting development, really. The RAAF looks pretty sexy with the AWACS, Superbugs, and big drones.
marauder2048 said:Or it's just an ITAR-scrubbed version of Boeing's losing LCASD entry.
TomS said:coanda said:Flyaway said:I wonder if this is the program U.K. government might be trying to buy their way into?
I wouldn't be surprised at all. I notice that an announcement was recently made about a swarming UAS squadron being stood up by the RAF, but no details were given.
I think the UK concept is something else. Williamson referred to hundreds of swarming drones. No way the RAF is buying hundreds of Loyal Wingman type drones the size of manned fighters. Probably something more like Gremlin.
Archibald said:Wow, Australia pioneering large combat drones - with Boeing. Why is Australia so in need for large drones (this one, Reaper, Poseidon...) ? Because continent size country, not many people ? something else ?
Interesting development, really. The RAAF looks pretty sexy with the AWACS, Superbugs, and big drones.
SpudmanWP said:That is ferry range at best and NOT combat radius.
marauder2048 said:SpudmanWP said:That is ferry range at best and NOT combat radius.
You just move the switch position on the side from "Attritable" to "Expendable."
sferrin said:marauder2048 said:SpudmanWP said:That is ferry range at best and NOT combat radius.
You just move the switch position on the side from "Attritable" to "Expendable."
For something that expensive I'd think the possibility of that happening would border on "never".
Mark Nankivil said:Interesting article GTX - did not know the Bird of Prey was designated YF-118G.
Thanks for posting... Mark