Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have completed an autonomous air-to-air missile launch from an MQ-28 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, marking a significant first in military aviation.
The test saw an MQ-28 Ghost Bat operate alongside an E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet to detect and destroy a fighter-class target drone.
“This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, establishing the MQ-28 as a mature combat capable CCA,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia.
“This latest achievement proves the advantage specialized CCA platforms bring to defense forces’ mission effectiveness, delivering increased operational mass and data exchange for informed decision-making while reducing cost and crewed pilot risk.”
During the exercise, the MQ-28, the E-7A and the F/A-18F launched from separate locations. Once airborne, an E-7A crew member took operational oversight of the MQ-28. The Super Hornet then formed up with the MQ-28 to support sensor coverage and target identification. Targeting data was shared between all three aircraft before the MQ-28 received approval from the E-7A to fire a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM, successfully destroying the target.
“This exercise demonstrates the maturity and sophistication of Boeing’s mission autonomy solution which is built on open standards and government architectures and is capable of integrating with fourth, fifth and sixth generation aircraft,” said Colin Miller, vice president and general manager for Phantom Works.
“It is a true example of speed-to-capability. The team implemented open architectures and an advanced digital ecosystem to develop the necessary hardware, software, and mission systems required to successfully integrate, test and employ the weapon in a live, operationally relevant scenario in under eight months.”
The demonstration was completed with support from the RAAF, the U.S. Air Force and several industry partners.
Boeing develops and supports aircraft, defence systems and space platforms for customers in more than 150 countries. The company states that its focus remains on safety, quality and integrity across its operations.