MQ-28 'Ghost Bat' Production Line Marks New Turn for US Manufacturer

The Australian program to add Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone has led to the creation of a nigh-100,000 square foot facility in Toowoomba, Queensland. 

The Aussies jumped at integrating the MQ-28 into their air force much more readily than Boeing's own homeland did, embarking on the program as a joint venture between their own MoD and Boeing's Australian subsidiary. They expect the factory to be up and running in "the next three years", including carbon fiber composites manufacture, robotic assembly for major sections of the aircraft, and finally assembly for the Ghost Bat. As such, it's an interesting case study where a foreign military partner is providing the motive force in bringing an all-new weapon system into being, certainly a departure from Boeing's normal processes where it builds something for the US and sells off the extras to keep production lines open once their domestic orders are complete. The USAF has shown some interest in the Ghost Bat program, though only in small scale demonstration flights at the moment. 

The MQ-28 falls along that very recent fad of having a "loyal wingman" in the form of an allied, AI-powered UAV flying alongside crewed fighters to provide some extra 'oomph' at a lower price point than full size aircraft of their own type. Certainly, battles in Eastern Europe have taught some worthwhile lessons in uncrewed combat, which seem to be sinking in throughout the Western procurement system. Unmanned systems can be cheaper and more effective when wielded correctly - but in order to really get them there the tech has to filter down many developments from COTS sources and distill them into a workable, military-ready, and secure platform. 

"Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers' future needs," said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia. "The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies." 

"We're partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing's first final assembly facility outside of North America -- which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry."

FMI: www.boeing.com.au