Airbus has showcased its new concept named Wingman at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin. 

Einer der Stars auf der Berliner Luftfahrtmesse #ILA24 : #Wingman -Modell von @AirbusDefence als künftig unbemannter Begleiter für Eurofighter. Schautafel zeigt, wo die Waffen versteckt werden. Kann mit und ohne Seitenleitwerk fliegen. Bislang ist es nur ein Konzept.… pic.twitter.com/NFHytT4GiU

— Gerhard Hegmann (@GeHegmann) June 4, 2024

In the Airbus concept, the Wingman, which shall be a fighter-type drone, is going to operate very much in the same way as a manned fighter jet. According to the company, it will be commanded by a manned combat aircraft, such as the Eurofighter, and can take on high-risk mission tasks that would pose a bigger threat to manned-only aircraft.

As announced by the company, the exhibited 1:1 model is similar to a “show car” used as a design exercise by the automotive industry. The Wingman model showcases all of the foreseen capabilities required, such as low observability, the integration of various armaments, advanced sensors, connectivity and teaming solutions. 

As with “show cars”, not all of what is on display may find its way into series production. In this aspect, the model on display at ILA Berlin serves as a foundation and catalyst to drive the design requirements for each generation of the Wingman.

Based on the current concept, the Wingman is intended to augment the capabilities of current manned combat aircraft with uncrewed platforms that can carry weapons and other effectors. 

The Wingman’s tasks can range from reconnaissance to jamming targets and engaging targets on the ground or in the air with precision-guided munitions or missiles. Pilots in manned aircraft acting as “command fighters” will always have control of the mission. 

They are always the final decision-making authority, while benefiting from the protection and smaller risk exposure that the delegation of tactical taskings to unmanned system offers. 

An additional focus is on increasing the overall combat mass in an affordable manner so that air forces can match the number of opposing forces.

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