News Release
Issued: Oct 21, 2020 (8:46pm EDT)
To view this
release online and get more information about Boeing, visit: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130759
Boeing’s Australian Unmanned Aircraft Completes First Taxi
AUSTRALIA, October
22, 2020 – The
Boeing Loyal Wingman aircraft being developed with the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) recently moved under its own power for the first time, a key
milestone for the aircraft that’s expected to make its first flight this year.
“Air Force partners with
industry to ensure we can find innovative solutions to meet our future
priorities,” said Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts, RAAF Head of Air Force
Capability. “Boeing’s Loyal Wingman project is a perfect example of what this
collaborative approach can achieve.”
“Seeing the prototype take to
the runway for this low-speed taxi test is an exciting moment – another
significant development milestone ahead of its first flight.”
Reaching a maximum speed of
14 knots (approximately 16 mph, or 26 kilometers per hour), on the ground, the
aircraft demonstrated several activities while maneuvering and stopping on
command.
“The low-speed taxi enabled
us to verify the function and integration of the aircraft systems, including
steering, braking and engine controls, with the aircraft in motion,” said Paul
Ryder, Boeing Australia Flight Test manager.
Three Loyal Wingman
prototypes will be the foundation for the Airpower Teaming System that Boeing
will offer customers worldwide.
The aircraft will fly
alongside other platforms, using artificial intelligence for such teaming
missions. It has advanced design and flight characteristics, including a
modular nose section that’s customizable for specific needs and a conventional
takeoff and landing approach suitable for many missions and runway types.
“Runway independence ensures
the aircraft will be a highly flexible and adaptable system for our global
customers,” said Dr. Shane Arnott, program director, Boeing Airpower Teaming
System. “This latest test marks the first full unmanned movement of the Loyal
Wingman with our Australian partners and takes us a step closer to first
flight.”
For more information about
the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, visit https://www.boeing.com/defense/airpower-teaming-system/.
For more information on
Boeing Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense
and @BoeingSpace.
Ingen kommentarer:
Legg inn en kommentar
Merk: Bare medlemmer av denne bloggen kan legge inn en kommentar.