First Loyal Wingman ground tests occur in Australia
Boeing Australia announced on 15 September that the first ground engine tests of the Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft had taken place. This is a necessary step before the UAV’s maiden flight occurs later this year.
Blurry images emerged recently in Australia of a Loyal Wingman on an airfield tarmac, possibly at Amberley near Brisbane. This was the first indication that the aircraft was undergoing ground testing, with taxiing and a first flight to follow.
Dr Shane Arnott, program director of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, commented: ‘This engine run gets us closer toward flying the first aircraft later this year,
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