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Airbus to Unveil Uncrewed ‘Wingman’ Concept at ILA Berlin Air Show

Wingman could become a remote carrier for Europe’s Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) initiative, which aims to meld crewed and uncrewed operations together.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, June 04, 2024 at 03:40 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: Luke Venable

Airbus on Monday shared a digital rendering of its uncrewed ‘fighter-like drone’ concept, Wingman. [Courtesy: Airbus]

Key Takeaways:

Airbus will unveil its "Wingman" concept at ILA Berlin, an uncrewed drone designed to serve as an escort for crewed fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Wingman will allow human pilots to command the drone for high-risk missions, such as reconnaissance, jamming, and firing missiles, from a safe distance.
This initiative aims to provide the German Air Force with an affordable solution to augment its fighter fleet's capabilities and combat mass in the 2030s, preceding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

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Airbus on Monday announced it will unveil its concept for an uncrewed “Wingman,” designed to serve as an escort for crewed fighter jets, at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin from June 5 to 9.

The manufacturer describes the Wingman model as a “fighter-type drone” that could be commanded by the pilot of an existing combat aircraft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.