MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Manufacturer: Boeing Defense
Category: Future / Concept Weapons
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Primary Effect / Kill Mechanism AI-guided kinetic or electronic attack
Operational Range / Engagement Envelope ~3,700 km (2,000+ nm)
Autonomy / Guidance Level Supervised autonomy with AI teaming
Power / Propulsion Type Jet turbine engine

Full Specifications

1) Basic / Identification

Name	MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Loyal Wingman)
Designation	MQ-28A
Manufacturer / Developer	Boeing Defence Australia
Country / Lead partner	Australia (with U.S. collaboration)
Type / Role	Autonomous Combat Drone / Loyal Wingman
Status	Prototype / Early Production
Program Start	2019
Estimated unit cost	est. $10–15 million USD
Public Source / Reference	Boeing, RAAF Press Releases

2) Performance & Capabilities

Operational Concept	Manned-unmanned teaming, air escort, ISR, EW
Effective Range / Engagement Envelope	~3,700 km
Speed / Response Time	Subsonic (~Mach 0.8)
Endurance / Sustained Operation	~6–8 hours
Precision / Accuracy	AI-assisted targeting
Mobility / Basing	Airfield / runway operations

3) Propulsion / Power / Energy

Power Source	Jet turbine
Power Output	Classified
Propulsion Type	Conventional turbojet
Fuel / Energy Storage	Jet fuel (internal tanks)

4) Payload / Kill Mechanism

Primary Effect	Kinetic strike or electronic warfare
Payload Mass / Warhead	~500 kg (modular)
Guidance / Targeting	AI, EO/IR, RF, data-linked
Multi-mode Capability	ISR + EW + Strike

5) Sensors, Avionics & Autonomy

Sensors	AESA radar, EO/IR suite
Autonomy Level	Supervised autonomy
AI Features	Threat ID, route optimization, swarm coordination
Communications & Datalinks	SATCOM, Link-16 compatible, anti-jamming mesh network

6) Survivability & Countermeasures

Signature Reduction	Stealth shaping, radar-absorbent materials
Defensive Systems	EW suite, decoys
Resilience	Cyber hardening, redundant systems

7) Integration & Interoperability

Integration	Manned fighters, AWACS, C2 networks
Suitable Platforms	F-35, F/A-18, EA-18G
Interoperability Standards	Link-16, NATO compatible
Upgrade Path	Open architecture, modular avionics

8) Legal / Ethical / Policy Notes

Export Control	Subject to U.S. ITAR and Australian restrictions
Legal/Ethical Flags	Autonomous lethal engagement review
Policy Implications	AI use in combat, arms race acceleration

9) Operational / Program Notes

Notable Tests / Milestones	First flight 2021; RAAF integration testing 2023–2024
Expected IOC (if given)	2025 (est.)
Partners / Contractors	Boeing, RAAF, DST Group
Remarks	May influence USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

AI-driven autonomous operations
Modular payload configuration
Stealth and low-RCS design
Cost-effective alternative to manned jets
Manned-unmanned teaming capability

CONS

Still in prototype stage
Limited proven combat record
Payload capacity constraints
Dependent on secure datalink integrity
Regulatory hurdles for autonomous missions

MQ-28 Ghost Bat Loyal Wingman Combat Drone

Developed by Boeing Defence Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, also known as the Loyal Wingman, represents a new era of autonomous air combat. Designed to operate alongside manned aircraft such as the F-35, F/A-18F, or EA-18G, it enhances mission survivability, extends sensor coverage, and delivers flexible strike options.

The MQ-28 features stealth shaping, AI-driven autonomy, and modular payload bays, enabling diverse missions — from surveillance and electronic warfare to precision strike. Its range exceeds 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km), and it can reach subsonic speeds while maintaining a radar-evading profile.

Powered by a single jet engine, the Ghost Bat is capable of semi-independent operations, coordinating with human pilots through secure data links and machine learning algorithms. The aircraft can carry sensor pods, jamming modules, or precision munitions, depending on mission requirements.

The RAAF’s Loyal Wingman project achieved its first flight in 2021, marking Australia’s first domestically developed combat aircraft in over 50 years. Its open architecture design allows for rapid reconfiguration, supporting allied integration under U.S. and Five Eyes defense cooperation frameworks.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is not only a technological leap for unmanned teaming but also a template for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, potentially shaping future air dominance strategies.

MQ-28 Ghost Bat Price in US

The estimated unit cost of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Loyal Wingman is projected between $10–15 million (USD), depending on configuration and payload systems. This cost makes it a cost-effective force multiplier compared to traditional fighter jets, offering high capability at a fraction of the price.

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