Boeing 'Loyal Wingman' Drone Uses AI to Collaborate with UAVs, Aircraft

Boeing showed a model of its newest Drone, ‘Loyal Wingman,’ which can collaborate with UAVs and Aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as part of its ‘Airpower Teaming System’ concept displayed at the Australian air show currently underway.

To be built by Boeing Australia, the drone is meant for export to a wide selection of countries. It is the first major product of Boeing to be built outside the United States, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The ATS concept will integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. It uses artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft and is able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles, according to the company statement.

The aircraft will complement and extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft.

 “The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide a disruptive advantage for allied forces’ manned/unmanned missions,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems.