Defence industry

Boeing Australia’s Loyal Wingman drone successfully completed its first low-speed runway taxi maneuver and is on track to begin flight later this year. “Reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots (approximately 16 mph, or 26 kilometers per hour), on the ground, the aircraft demonstrated several activities while maneuvering and stopping on command,” a company news release explained.

Several of the drone prototype’s systems were tested, including engine, brake, and steering controls.

The Loyal Wingman drone is currently being developed in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force and is intended to augment piloted airframes during combat. In this capacity, drones like the Loyal Wingman could perform a variety of missions including decidedly non-combat flights like reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as protecting pilots from enemy missiles—by sacrificing themselves—or by firing on enemy planes....MORE