Airbus Wingman
Unmanned fighter aircraft in development by Airbus
| Wingman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Wingman conceptual render released by Airbus.[1] | |
| Role | Loyal wingman Type of aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Introduction | 2030s (planned) |
| Status | In development |
| Primary users | German Air Force (proposed) Spanish Air and Space Force (proposed) |
The Airbus Wingman is a loyal wingman aircraft in development by European aerospace manufacturer Airbus. The aircraft would be an unmanned fighter aircraft which would accompany a Eurofighter Typhoon or other combat aircraft as a force multiplier.[2]
Development
A 1 to 1 scale "show car" version of the Wingman was unveiled on 3 June 2024 at the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show.[3] The Wingman is said to feature capabilities including stealth and modern sensors,[3] and is designed to fulfill roles including aerial reconnaissance, radar jamming, air-to-air combat and air-to-surface combat.[1] It will be piloted by artificial intelligence.[4] On 5 June 2024, Airbus announced a partnership with European AI defense company Helsing to develop the Wingman's AI system.[4]
The Wingman would be controlled by a commanding manned fighter, the initial aircraft proposed proposed for this role is the Eurofighter Typhoon, though Airbus has left open the possibility that other fighters or aircraft could be adapted to fit the role.[2] According to Airbus, the F-35 Lightning, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen fighters as well as the A400M Atlas transport and A330 MRTT tanker could be adapted to command Wingman aircraft.[5] Airbus has stated that human pilots in the command aircraft would always be the "final decision making authority" in combat and would "always have control of the mission".[1]
Users
As of June 2024, Airbus is working with the German Air Force to use the Wingman to meet their requirement of an aircraft which can augment their Air Force before the introduction of the Future Combat Air System in the 2040s.[1] Airbus is also reportedly in negotiations with the Spanish Air and Space Force for possible purchases.[2] The Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force are both also current users of the Eurofighter; a spokesperson from the United Kingdom declined to confirm or deny whether the country's air force was interested in the Wingman.[2]
Specifications
Data from Airbus.[5]
General characteristics
- Length: 50 ft 10 in (15.5 m)
- Wingspan: 39 ft 4 in (12 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 1 (estimated)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
- General Dynamics X-62 VISTA
- HAL CATS Warrior
- Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
- Kronshtadt Grom
- Spirit Mosquito
- Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik
References
- ^ a b c d "Unmanned escort for manned fighter jets: Airbus presents new Wingman concept at ILA Berlin". airbus.com. Berlin: Airbus. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Oliver, Matt (4 June 2024). "Airbus unveils stealth combat drone to support fighter jets". Telegraph.
- ^ a b Cenciotti, David (3 June 2024). "Airbus Unveils New Stealthy Loyal Wingman Concept". The Aviationist.
- ^ a b "Airbus and Helsing to collaborate on artificial intelligence for the teaming of manned and unmanned military aircraft". airbus.com. Airbus. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
- ^ a b Ruitenberg, Rudy (6 June 2024). "Airbus, Diehl aim at future air war with drone wingman, remote carrier". Defense News. Paris. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
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