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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 is set to unveil its "Wingman" concept, an uncrewed drone designed to escort and support crewed fighter jets, at the ILA Berlin exhibition.
The Wingman aims to perform high-risk missions like reconnaissance and missile firing, commanded by a human pilot from a safe distance, enhancing combat capabilities while protecting personnel.
This drone addresses the German Air Force's need for unmanned support in the 2030s, serving as an interim solution before the full Future Combat Air System (FCAS) becomes operational around 2040.

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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.