Boeing has introduced its newest unmanned platform, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, designed for the company's global defense customers.

Designed by Boeing Australia, it is the company’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States.

The aircraft will complement and extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft.

A model of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System was unveiled at the Australian International Airshow by the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP. As a research and development activity, the Australian Government and Boeing will produce a concept demonstrator called the Loyal Wingman – Advanced Development Program that will provide key learnings toward the production of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

“The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide a disruptive advantage for allied forces’ manned/unmanned missions,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems. “With its ability to reconfigure quickly and perform different types of missions in tandem with other aircraft, our newest addition to Boeing’s portfolio will truly be a force multiplier as it protects and projects air power.”

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7 metres) and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles. It will integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. By using artificial intelligence, the unmanned aircraft will be able to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft.

First flight is planned for 2020.