Boeing Australia is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to the country’s defense industry with the construction of a dedicated production facility for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
Located at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Queensland, the new 9,000-square-meter facility is expected to be operational by 2027. Construction has already begun, with the Wagner Corporation leading the project. This facility creation not only strengthens Boeing’s presence in Australia but also creates substantial employment opportunities.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a revolutionary UCAV designed with fighter-like performance. This Australian-developed aircraft boasts a 38-foot (11.7-meter) length and a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles. Its onboard sensor packages allow for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, tactical early warning, and more. Its fighter-like performance, coupled with artificial intelligence capabilities, makes it a force multiplier for allied air forces.
The project goes beyond simply building aircraft. The facility is expected to become a hub for advanced aerospace technologies and skill development within Australia. The manufacturing process will involve cutting-edge techniques like composite materials fabrication and robotics, fostering expertise in these vital areas. The press release from Boeing Australia also mentions the use of sustainable construction methods and renewable technologies in the facility, reflecting Boeing’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The new production facility signifies a major milestone for the Australian-made MQ-28 program. It represents not just an investment in a new aircraft, but in the future of Australia’s defense capabilities and its position as a leading player in the global aerospace industry.
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