BAE Systems Australia has entered into a 10-year Head Agreement with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver its Vehicle Management System (VMS) for the latter’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft development, the company announced on 10 April.
According to BAE Systems, the VMS provides control of the air vehicle, with the company also providing elements of the Ground Control Station (GCS) and the Independent Flight Termination System, which are vital for the safe operation of the Ghost Bat.
“BAE Systems is proud to be a strategic partner on this innovative sovereign program,” said Kisa Christensen, Director of Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors at BAE Systems Australia.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of future autonomous air capability to ensure Australia and its allies can generate the force required to continually meet their operational needs well into the future,” added Christensen.
Boeing earlier announced that the Ghost Bat programme has completed the 100th test flight. According to Boeing, the flight test programme will conclude by the end of 2025 with a MQ-28 aircraft teaming with RAAF crewed assets, such as the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control and F-35 joint strike fighter, to conduct operationally relevant missions.
The Australian government earlier announced an A$399 million funding package intended to advance development of key systems for the Ghost Bat. The funding also calls for construction of three new next-generation Block 2 aircraft. Officials noted that the funding will enable further development on sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous systems.
The Ghost Bat is a joint development between Boeing Defence Australia and the Australian Department of Defence (DoD). The company has already been contracted to deliver 10 MQ-28A Block 1 aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The Ghost Bat will have a range of more than 3,700 km and has been designed to fly as a partner with crewed RAAF platforms. As a groundbreaking project, it enables the DoD to investigate critical factors such as the level of automation and autonomy, use of artificial intelligence, and human-machine teaming concepts that meet Australia’s legal and ethical obligations.
by Jr Ng
