Boeing Defense has validated another advanced capability for the MQ-28 collaborative combat aircraft, which gives customers a decisive edge in combat: stealth performance.
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The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is designed to complement existing crewed aircraft by performing a variety of roles, including surveillance, electronic warfare, and force multiplication, all while maintaining a low radar profile. This milestone further demonstrates the platform’s maturity, survivability, and ability to deliver cost-effective advanced capability for modern air combat operations.
One way to measure the stealth of an aircraft is Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing. RCS testing was conducted on an MQ-28 to provide customers with objective, repeatable data about survivability and detection risks. This information validates designs and models, supports procurement and certification, and guides tactics and countermeasure choices.
The MQ-28’s RCS reduces the range that enemy radars can detect and engage an MQ-28, enhancing the platform’s survivability in contested environments. The success of the RCS testing confirms the effectiveness of the MQ-28’s design, production and material choices in minimising radar detection.
MQ-28 began development in 2017, took its first flight in 2021, and has completed more than 150 flights and several flight demonstrations, including:
– Demonstrating interoperability by teaming two in-flight MQ-28s plus one digital aircraft with an airborne E-7A Wedgetail to complete a mission against an airborne target
– Deploying to an unfamiliar location – an operational RAAF Base at Tindal
– Progressing airborne teaming with multiple MQ-28 aircraft
– Conducting daily flight operations during test blocks
– Teaming with an E-7A and an F/A-18F to autonomously fire, and shoot down, an airborne target.
– Logging its first three international operational flight tests in Point Mugu, California to validate autonomous operations, demonstrate rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied location.