Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Boeing Validates MQ-28 Ghost Bat Stealth in Radar Cross-Section Tests

Boeing says the RCS tests provide repeatable survivability data to guide tactics, certification, export decisions.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat during Radar Cross Section testing in the anechoic chamber. (Image credit: Boeing)
Pictured is a U.S. Navy photo of an MQ-28 Ghost Bat, which Boeing said recently made three operational flights over the Pacific Ocean.
Testing MQ-28 radar detectability via pitch angles inside Boeing’s chamber. Credit: Boeing photo.

Overview

  • Boeing disclosed Monday that radar cross-section testing validated the MQ-28 Ghost Bat's low-observable design and that the reduced radar cross section cuts the range at which enemy radars can detect and engage the drone.
  • The announcement follows program milestones including a December 2025 live firing of an AIM-120 AMRAAM teamed with an E-7A and an F/A-18F and three operational flight tests at Point Mugu in May 2026.
  • The MQ-28 is a loyal-wingman class uncrewed aircraft built by Boeing Defence Australia to fly with crewed platforms and to carry modular payloads for surveillance, electronic warfare, signals intelligence and weapon carriage.
  • Key technical and program details remain undisclosed, including numeric RCS figures, which specific airframes flew at Point Mugu, and any formal adoption or test role by U.S. services or other allied customers.
  • Boeing frames the RCS data as support for procurement and certification decisions and the results could shape tactics and allied export interest after Australia committed about A$1.4 billion to buy six Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and develop a Block 3 prototype.