Boeing has validated the stealth performance of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft through radar cross section testing conducted on a single aircraft in Brisbane. The June 1 announcement marks a further step in the programme’s progression from autonomous demonstrations toward an operationally relevant platform.
Boeing said the testing confirmed the MQ-28’s low-observable design and provided customers with data on its radar signature and survivability in high-threat environments. The stealth validation adds to capabilities already demonstrated in previous trials, including autonomy, multi-ship operations, teaming with a crewed aircraft, and data fusion and sharing between multiple MQ-28 aircraft and a crewed platform.
The MQ-28 is being developed in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force as an uncrewed CCA designed to operate with crewed and uncrewed assets. Boeing said more than 150 flights and more than 20,000 hours of virtual testing have been completed across the programme.