Loyal Wingman Taxi Testing Milestone Welcomed by BAE Australia

October 22, 2020

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BAE Systems Australia today congratulated the dedicated team involved in the Loyal Wingman Program in achieving the aircraft’s first taxi test.

As a substantial partner and investor in the project, BAE Systems is supplying the unmanned flight vehicle management solution and simulation capability for the Loyal Wingman being led by Boeing Australia with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

BAE Systems has more than a dozen guidance, navigation, control and software engineering experts, five with PHDs, working on the project to deliver flight control computers and navigation equipment along with a team of supporting engineers who are developing a special payload for the aircraft.

The team is thrilled to have witnessed such a significant step in Australian aviation history as the first military aircraft, developed and built in Australia in more than 50 years, travelled down the runway.

It was an incredibly exciting moment representing years of commitment from our team of industry leading guidance, control and software engineers.

The milestone also reflects the successful collaboration with Boeing Australia to bring a game changing defence capability to life, offering enormous potential to the RAAF as well as future export markets.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Technology Officer, Brad Yelland, said:
“This is an important milestone for the program and we are pleased to be involved in bringing a new defence capability to life.

“This project highlights our commitment to lead the development of new technologies developed in Australia.

“BAE Systems Australia has worked with Boeing on a number of projects over more than three decades. Both companies have a shared national heritage having partnered on a number of early unmanned flight vehicles.

“The partnership and latest advancement highlights our combined commitment to deliver a world-leading program to the nation leveraging home-grown engineering expertise.”

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)