MQ 28A Ghost Bat

Manufacturer: Boeing Australia
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed Classified, estimated near high subsonic
Endurance Estimated multi hour missions
Operational Range More than two thousand miles
Payload Capacity Mission dependent, moderate weight class

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	MQ 28A
Manufacturer	Boeing Australia
Country of Origin	Australia
Type / Role	Loyal wingman combat UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2021
Status	Under testing and limited early service
Unit Cost	Not disclosed

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	High subsonic, estimated
Cruise Speed	Subsonic
Operational Range	More than two thousand miles
Endurance	Multi hour missions
Service Ceiling	Not disclosed
Rate of Climb	Not disclosed

3. Dimensions

Length	Eleven meters class
Wingspan	About seven meters
Height	Not disclosed
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Not disclosed

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	Mission dependent
Hardpoints	Internal and external provisions
Weapons	Air to air or air to ground payloads, development stage
Sensors	Modular mission nose, EO IR, radar options
Avionics	Networked control, autonomous system core

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Jet engine class, exact type not public
Engine Power	Not disclosed
Propeller Type	Not applicable

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote or autonomous
Data Link Range	Beyond line of sight via secure link
Navigation	GPS and INS
Ground Control Station	Fixed or mobile facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	Royal Australian Air Force, potential USAF
Combat Proven	No
Notable Operations	Testing and evaluation

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10

PROS

Long reach for deep missions
Modular nose section for rapid role changes
Designed for crewed uncrewed teaming
Lower cost compared to a fighter
Suited for high threat environments

CONS

Not fully fielded yet
Limited payload compared to a fighter
Dependent on network support
Autonomy still under evaluation
Restricted weapons options in early stage

SkyGuard MQ 28A Ghost Bat

The MQ 28A Ghost Bat is an advanced combat drone built by Boeing Australia with support from the Royal Australian Air Force. It serves as a loyal wingman that can team with crewed fighters and conduct missions that place high risk on a pilot. The aircraft blends autonomous control, mission focused sensors, and a low profile shape for contested airspace.

The airframe uses a modular nose section that accepts mission packages for sensing, targeting, and electronic support. The drone can carry air to air or air to ground payloads, depending on the mission. Its expected range is more than two thousand miles with endurance suited for long patrols or forward operations. The Ghost Bat is designed to fly ahead of manned fighters, extend sensor reach, and take on dangerous tasks such as surveillance in dense air defenses or missile engagements.

The MQ 28A program supports allied air forces that want increased mass, lower risk, and fast fielding of crewed uncrewed teams. Test flights have shown autonomous routing, formation tasks, and networked control with modern fighters. The aircraft is planned to carry both kinetic and electronic tools, giving commanders more options in a complex fight.

Though still early in fielding, the Ghost Bat marks a shift toward distributed air power. It offers high flexibility, lower cost per unit compared to fighters, and the ability to scale forces quickly.

MQ 28A Ghost Bat Price

The MQ 28A Ghost Bat is still moving toward wider production, so its cost shifts by configuration and mission kit. Exact pricing is not public, but the program aims to keep the aircraft far cheaper than a manned fighter. The design focuses on flexible payloads, long reach, and close teaming with fifth generation jets.

Reviews

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Performance:

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