iscover
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 unmanned teaming trials will be completed as part of RAAF events this year, known as Capability Demonstration 2025. CD25 is expected to allow the MQ-28 drones to demonstrate operational effectiveness and how collaborative combat aircraft will integrate and operate with RAAF crewed assets.
Conducted in partnership with Toll Aviation, the Remotely Piloted Aeromedical Clinical Systems (RPACS) trial was aimed at improving operational speed and safety in remote or hard-to-reach areas, with seven paramedics from critical care and special operations trained to operate the drones.
A single operator, acting from aboard an airborne E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, was able to conduct the capability demonstration at Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
Traditionally work performed by helicopters, the project involves a partnership with the Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers to survey 83.74 km of remote coastline in a way that is cheaper and less restricted by the wet season, and has so far spotted 72 nets.
PROFILES
Raising the Bar in Commercial Laundry: How Rinse & Repeat Is Redefining Service for Aviation
Raising the Bar in Commercial Laundry: How Rinse & Repeat Is Redefining Service for Aviation
UPRT Australia- Transforming Aviation’s Greatest Risk into Its Greatest Asset
UPRT Australia- Transforming Aviation’s Greatest Risk into Its Greatest Asset
