Boeing, RAAF Achieve CCA Missile Fire from MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Core Insights - Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully executed an air-to-air autonomous weapon engagement using the MQ-28 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, marking a historic achievement in military aviation [1][3]. Group 1: Mission Details - The mission involved the MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborating with the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F Super Hornet to destroy a fighter-class target drone [2]. - This operation is the first instance of an autonomous aircraft completing an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, showcasing the MQ-28's combat capabilities [3]. - The exercise demonstrated the integration of specialized CCA platforms, enhancing mission effectiveness through increased operational mass and data exchange [4]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Boeing's mission autonomy solution is built on open standards and is capable of integrating with fourth, fifth, and sixth generation aircraft, highlighting its maturity and sophistication [4]. - The development of the necessary hardware, software, and mission systems for this engagement was achieved in under eight months, illustrating a rapid speed-to-capability [5]. Group 3: Operational Execution - The MQ-28, E-7A, and F/A-18F launched from separate locations, with the E-7A operator overseeing the MQ-28's safety and engagement [8]. - The F/A-18F provided sensor coverage and shared targeting data with the MQ-28, which successfully engaged and destroyed the target using a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missile [8].