The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 drone was shown at the ILA Berlin event this week. It features a 25% larger wingspan, higher fuel capacity and the ability to carry weapons internally like the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet.
Like the original MQ-28A Ghost Bat developed through the Royal Wingman program, the Ghost Bat Block 3 can operate as a solo fighter or in conjunction with a fighter jet with a human pilot. In tests conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force last year, a Ghost Bat successfully destroyed a target using an AIM-20 missile.
With a larger fuel tank, the Ghost Bat Block 3 can carry more than 900 kilograms of additional weapons during a mission. Two AIM 120 AMRAAM missiles or four small diameter bombs (SDBs) can be carried internally to make it harder to detect by radar. If needed, weapons can still be carried externally using three weapons stations.
The drone's nose section is also modular to provide enhanced payload configuration options and support future enhanced capabilities. Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication systems are also now supported.
