Page 32 - World Airnews Magazine November 2020

AIRLINES

LOYAL WINGMAN

COMPLETES FIRST TAXI

he Boeing Loyal Wingman aircraft being devel-
Toped with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
recently moved under its own power for the first time, a

key milestone for the aircraft that’s expected to make its

first flight this year.

“This latest test marks the first full unmanned move-

ment of the Loyal Wingman with our Australian partners

and takes us a step closer to first flight.”

“Air Force partners with industry to ensure we can find

innovative solutions to meet our future priorities,” said
air vice-marshal Cath Roberts, RAAF head of air force
capability.
“Boeing’s Loyal Wingman project is a perfect example

of what this collaborative approach can achieve.”
“Seeing the prototype take to the runway for this low-
speed taxi test is an exciting moment - another signifi- airpower teaming system that Boeing will offer customers world-

cant development milestone ahead of its first flight.” wide.
Reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots (approximately 16 mph, The aircraft will fly alongside other platforms, using artificial

or 26 kilometres per hour), on the ground, the aircraft demonstrat- intelligence for such teaming missions. It has advanced design

ed several activities while manoeuvring and stopping on command. and flight characteristics, including a modular nose section that’s

“The low-speed taxi enabled us to verify the function and inte- customizable for specific needs and a conventional take-off and

gration of the aircraft systems, including steering, braking and en- landing approach suitable for many missions and runway types.

gine controls, with the aircraft in motion,” said Paul Ryder, Boeing “Runway independence ensures the aircraft will be a highly flex-

Australia flight test manager. ible and adaptable system for our global customers,” said Shane

Three Loyal Wingman prototypes will be the foundation for the Arnott, programme director, Boeing airpower teaming system. Q

THE M300
AIRCRAFT
ARE IN
SOUTH
AFRICA
system safety approval, and the RLA pro- it means that teams are able to operate in

cess which took more than three-months inclement weather conditions.
to complete. “DJI worked alongside Commercial

he first in type DJI Matrice 300 RTK

Thas been licenced through a SACAA Sean Reitz, accountable manager for Drones to ensure a swift regulation process
and we are excited by what this partnership
accredited ROC holder in South Africa - Drone Ops said, “The DJI M300 RTK is an in- has to offer in the future.

dispensable part of our team, giving Drone
Drone Ops. Ops clients’ better data, allowing for more “As Commercial Drones, we look forward

There is such confidence in the capability effective decision-making, completing to further supporting Drone Ops along with

of the M300, that Drone Ops has added an critical operations and missions faster and our many other commercial clients to build

additional 16 units of the M300 RTK aircraft more effectively than ever before”. their new fleets of M300 RTKs.

to their fleet. The DJI M300 RTK is tougher, safer, and “The technical team recently completed

The registration of the M300 RTK was more rugged than any drone in its class, their certified DJI training on the M300

quite an extensive process which included: and offers exceptional endurance and range and are ready to serve the tailored

obtaining airworthiness, the first-in-type range. With an increased Ingress Rating, needs of Enterprise clients,” he said. Q

World Airnews | November / December 2020
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