Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force confirm the capabilities of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned aerial vehicle.
In the world of aerospace, there's no shortage of exciting news. Here are some of the latest developments making waves:
Boeing Strengthens Presence in the Region
Boeing has announced the opening of a new facility, reinforcing its long-term investment in the region. This expansion is expected to bring significant benefits, including potential job creation and technological advancements.
Boeing and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing is also involved in the development and testing of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This autonomous capability is designed to complement the find, fix, track, and target elements of air combat.
The MQ-28 has undergone extensive testing, with 150 hours of real-world testing and over 20,000 hours of virtual testing. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has defined a series of operationally relevant missions for the MQ-28, which the aircraft has successfully completed ahead of schedule.
RAAF's Successful Demonstrations
The Capability Demonstration 2025 missions, completed early, validated autonomous behaviours, multi-ship operations, deployment operations, teaming with an E-7A Wedgetail, data fusion, and sharing data between multiple MQ-28 aircraft. These validated capabilities will form the basis of an initial operational capability for the RAAF and allied partners.
Preparing for Combat Capabilities
The RAAF is expected to test the MQ-28 Ghost Bat by firing a missile from it by 2026 or earlier to demonstrate its combat capabilities. An air-to-air weapon shot is planned for later this year or in early 2026.
Orbex's UK Launch Preparations
Meanwhile, Orbex has successfully completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch. This marks a key technical milestone as Orbex prepares to deliver orbital launch services from the UK next year.
Woodward Inc's Precision Manufacturing Facility
Woodward Inc, a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, has announced plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County.
Boeing's Engineering Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Boeing has also launched a new Engineering Center within the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park.
Pratt & Whitney's $18m Contract
Lastly, Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, has secured an $18m contract from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to sustain TF33 engines. This contract underscores Pratt & Whitney's commitment to providing reliable and efficient solutions for aerospace and industrial markets.
These developments highlight the continued innovation and growth in the aerospace industry, with companies like Boeing, Orbex, and Pratt & Whitney leading the way. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.
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