5 Facts About The Mq-28 Ghost Bat

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Here are five key facts about this advanced drone.

Origins and Development

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an Australian-developed UAV, designed to meet the requirements of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The project was initiated in 2016, with Boeing Australia as the primary contractor. The Ghost Bat is built on the foundation of the Boeing-developed Loyal Wingman, a drone designed to accompany manned aircraft on missions.

Design and Features

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat boasts a sleek, stealthy design, with a length of approximately 11.6 meters (38 feet) and a wingspan of around 8 meters (26 feet). Its airframe is constructed from advanced composite materials, reducing its radar cross-section and making it more difficult to detect. The Ghost Bat features a tricycle landing gear configuration and a twin-tail design, providing exceptional stability and maneuverability.

Propulsion and Performance

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine, producing 16.7 kilonewtons (3,750 pounds-force) of thrust. This advanced propulsion system enables the Ghost Bat to achieve speeds of up to Mach 0.8 (approximately 965 km/h or 599 mph) and operate at altitudes of up to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet).

Mission Capabilities

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is designed to perform a variety of surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, including:

Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Battlefield management
Target acquisition and designation
Communications relay
Cyber warfare

The Ghost Bat can carry a range of payloads, including sensors, communication equipment, and electronic warfare systems.

Autonomous Operations

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat features advanced autonomous capabilities, allowing it to operate independently or in conjunction with manned aircraft. The drone can be controlled via a ground station or from a nearby aircraft, and it can also operate autonomously, using pre-programmed mission parameters. This advanced autonomy enables the Ghost Bat to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention.

Stealth Capabilities

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat incorporates advanced stealth technology, including radar-absorbent materials and a design optimized for low radar cross-section. This enables the Ghost Bat to penetrate hostile airspace undetected, providing a significant tactical advantage.

Operational Status

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is currently in the development phase, with flight testing and evaluation expected to continue through the mid-2020s. The Royal Australian Air Force plans to induct the Ghost Bat into service in the late 2020s, with the drone expected to play a key role in the RAAF's future surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Conclusion

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle, designed to provide the Royal Australian Air Force with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. With its sleek design, advanced propulsion system, and autonomous capabilities, the Ghost Bat is poised to become a key player in the world of military aviation.

MQ-28 Ghost Bat Image Gallery

What is the MQ-28 Ghost Bat?

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Who developed the MQ-28 Ghost Bat?

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat was developed by Boeing Australia, with the Royal Australian Air Force as the primary customer.

What are the key features of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat?

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat features a stealthy design, advanced propulsion system, and autonomous capabilities, making it an advanced UAV for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.