Staff reporter

Footage from the R66’s cockpit camera showed that the autopilot was engaged while the pilot was “occupied with non-flying related tasks … specifically, mobile phone use and the consumption of food and beverages”, the ATSB said.

Thirty-seven pilots represented teams from the ADF, UK, Singapore and the US in qualifying heats that culminated in an elimination final series.

The deployment took place during Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, serving as a key demonstration of the Ghost Bat’s ability to operate from remote and unfamiliar locations. It marks a significant step forward in proving the autonomous aircraft’s flexibility and operational viability within a real-world context.

The proposed package includes a range of equipment and services aimed at maintaining and enhancing the operational readiness of Australia’s air combat fleet. Key items encompass 60 Global Lightning Joint Tactical Terminal-Transceivers, 40 advanced electronic warfare systems, and 24 Next Generation Electronic Attack Units.

The accident on 28 July 2023 killed the Jabiru’s pilot David Maddern and his wife Jan Maddern, leaving the male pilot of the Pawnee uninjured. According to the ATSB, the multiple runways and lack of a tower at the airfield were both contributing factors to the collision.

No topic was off-limits when the children met Eric Philips, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, and Dr Paul Scully-Power at the nation’s premier space industry event, now in its fourth year. The moment is thought to be the first time in history that so many Australian astronauts have gathered together.