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BRISBANE, Queensland — Boeing [NYSE:BA] has validated stealth performance for its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft, advancing the platform’s maturity and survivability for modern air combat operations.
Designed to complement crewed aircraft, the MQ-28 is built for roles including surveillance, electronic warfare, and force multiplication while maintaining a low radar profile. “The combination of a highly capable platform, stealth features, advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence provides unprecedented ability for air forces to extend their mission effectiveness and operational flexibility,” said Brad Thompson, Director for Phantom Works Australia.
Boeing said Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing was conducted on an MQ-28 to generate objective, repeatable data on survivability and detection risks. The testing is intended to validate designs and models, support procurement and certification, and guide tactics and countermeasure choices. According to the company, the MQ-28’s RCS reduces the range at which enemy radars can detect and engage the aircraft, enhancing survivability in contested environments. The results were described as confirming the effectiveness of design, production, and material selections aimed at minimizing radar detection.
Development of the MQ-28 began in 2017, with a first flight in 2021. The program has now surpassed 150 flights and completed a series of demonstrations, including teaming two in-flight MQ-28s and one digital aircraft with an airborne E-7A Wedgetail to complete a mission against an airborne target; deploying to an unfamiliar location at RAAF Base Tindal; advancing airborne teaming with multiple MQ-28s; conducting daily flight operations during test blocks; teaming with an E-7A and an F/A-18F to autonomously fire and shoot down an airborne target; and logging three international operational flight tests at Point Mugu, California, to validate autonomous operations and demonstrate rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied location.
