MILITARY
Boeing combat drone could fly alongside manned aircraft
February 28, 2019 - Boeing is partnering with Australia’s military to develop a stealthy combat drone capable of flying as a “loyal wingman” alongside manned aircraft, offering fighter jet-like performance at a much lower cost.
Boeing and the Australian government are producing a concept demonstrator for the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), called the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, with a first flight expected in 2020.
The system is not remotely piloted but will be semi-autonomous and controlled from both the ground and the air, according to Boeing. Its primary mission will be intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare, but weapons could also be carried.