First RAAF pilot completes Ghost Bat training
WGCDR Phil Parsons undertaking launch and recovery operations. (Photo: Boeing)
Designed as a multirole system to escort crewed aircraft, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat began development in 2013 and took its first flight in February 2021. The training of the first military pilot is a major milestone.
The first Royal Australian Air Force pilot has completed training on a MQ-28A Ghost Bat UAS, becoming the first non-Boeing pilot to complete the training and take control of the aircraft.
Wing Commander Phil Parsons, an experienced remote systems RAAF pilot for the past 10 years, completed Boeing’s training on June 13. As a launch and recovery operator, WGCDR Parsons would oversee launch and recovery of the aircraft, which involves ground preparation, take-off and landing operations.
WGCDR Parsons’ training included observing and monitoring the aircraft as it executed commands to climb and descend, accelerate and decelerate, or navigate to a specific waypoint to achieve test points as part of the current advanced testing programme.
Related Articles
Avalon 2019: Secretive Loyal Wingman breaks cover
Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
MQ-28 Ghost Bat ‘could fit the bill’ for UK's Loyal Wingman capability needs, says Boeing
Glen Ferguson, Boeing Defence Australia MQ-28 program director said the concept of operations was for the pilot to control take-off and landing before handing over to another platform.
“During a typical mission, a launch and recovery operator like WGCDR Parsons would oversee the aircraft as it takes flight,” Ferguson said.
“It would then be handed off to a crewed aircraft, such as an E-7A, F-35A or F/A-18F, whose crew tasks it to perform, for example, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission [before] the UAS pilot [oversaw] landing, deceleration and complete stop of the vehicle.”
Ghost Bat is a development of the Boeing Defence Australia’s Airpower Teaming System (ATS) or the 'Loyal Wingman' which was unveiled in 2019 at the Australian Airshow.
It is considered as a multirole platform and features a 1.5 cubic metre nose that will host the platform's payloads. The nose is designed to snap on/off, allowing each UAV to quickly change between a range of payloads that customer requirements will strictly drive.
Since the platform is designed to complement rather than replace existing capability, it will likely carry ISR sensors, EW systems, radars and kinetic weapons, among other payloads.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Training
-
![Encrypted Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation contract boosts US Air Force readiness]()
Encrypted Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation contract boosts US Air Force readiness
The contract, awarded to Cubic Defense, will enable 4th and 5th generation aircraft to train seamlessly together.
-
![Vietnam receives first batch of L-39NG jets and awaits US trainers]()
Vietnam receives first batch of L-39NG jets and awaits US trainers
The 12 L-39NGs jet trainers ordered by Vietnam will replace the country’s fleet of L-39C Albatros jets.
-
![Southern Fenix rises in the Atacama Desert as militaries train together]()
Southern Fenix rises in the Atacama Desert as militaries train together
The exercise aimed to foster hemispheric collaboration and was the first deployment of the M142 HIMARS system in such training.
-
![New army training facility for NATO soldiers opens at Virginia navy base]()
New army training facility for NATO soldiers opens at Virginia navy base
The facility will make training for the ACFT significantly more comfortable and will aim to boost morale among troops.
-
![New mixed reality pilot training delivers tactile advantage]()
New mixed reality pilot training delivers tactile advantage
The US Office of Naval Research has developed an approach that combines realistic buttons with virtual vistas.
-
![US and South Korea train together in North Korean threat readiness]()
US and South Korea train together in North Korean threat readiness
This year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are informed by real-world geopolitics and likely threats.
