Airbus Defense and Space introduced a new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, the Wingman, at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) Berlin. This "fighter-type drone" is envisioned to operate alongside manned fighter jets, acting as a loyal unmanned wingman in combat situations.
.gif)
The concept was presented as a life-size model at the ILA, serving as a design springboard similar to a concept car in the automotive industry. The Wingman is designed to complement existing fighter jets like the Eurofighter, offering additional firepower and capabilities through unmanned technology. This unmanned aerial system (UAS) will be under the control of a pilot in a manned aircraft. The pilot will delegate tasks to the Wingman, maintaining ultimate decision-making authority. The Wingman will take on high-risk missions or missions that don't require a pilot on board, potentially keeping human pilots out of harm's way.
Airbus emphasized the Wingman's role in achieving air superiority. The concept drone boasts features like low observability, allowing it to operate with stealth, and the ability to carry a variety of weapons and sensors. The system will also integrate advanced connectivity solutions to ensure seamless communication between Wingman and its manned counterpart. While the ILA model showcased the envisioned capabilities of the Wingman, Airbus acknowledged that the final design may differ. They view the concept as a foundation that will guide the development of future Wingman prototypes.
This announcement comes alongside a collaboration agreement between Airbus Defense and Space and Helsing, a leading European defense AI and software company. This partnership signifies the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of the Wingman program. AI is expected to play a crucial role in enabling the teaming of manned and unmanned aircraft. The Wingman concept has emerged in response to growing demands for airpower, particularly in light of recent conflicts. Airbus believes unmanned platforms like the Wingman will be instrumental in achieving air dominance in the future.