Work Begins On Australian Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat Plant
Construction on a Boeing facility in Toowoomba, Queensland that will produce the MQ-28 Ghost Bat “loyal wingman” unmanned combat air vehicle has begun.
The 9,000 square meter facility is expected to be operational within the next three years, and will be Boeing’s first-ever aircraft final assembly facility outside the United States. It is part of the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, located next to the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
Aerospace manufacturing capabilities at the completed plant will include carbon fiber composites manufacture, advanced robotic assembly for major components, and final assembly and test capabilities.
Jointly developed by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-28 is the first military aircraft designed and developed in Australia in over 50 years.
“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia. “The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies.”
“We’re partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”
Construction of the facility is managed by the Wagner Corporation, the developers of the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct and Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
First flown in 2021, the Ghost Bat is envisioned as a low-cost, autonomous companion to manned RAAF aircraft like the F-35A as part of the RAAF’s “Plan Jericho” transformation plan. In February, the Australian government announced that it had funded the production of three “Block 2” MQ-28s with improved sensor and autonomy capabilities.
The United States Air Force has expressed interest in the MQ-28 as well, as the USAF is also pursuing its own Combat Collaborative Aircraft program developing autonomous “loyal wingmen”.