Boeing announced that its MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat aircraft has officially passed stealth performance tests. This marks another step forward as the aerospace firm works to expand the aircraft’s capabilities for future air combat.

The company said this achievement provides customers with clear proof of the aircraft’s ability to survive and avoid detection on complex battlefields. The MQ-28 is built to work with crewed military aircraft and to handle various missions while remaining hard to detect on radar.

Stealth capability reaches new milestone

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat was designed to support current fighter and surveillance aircraft by handling tasks such as intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and boosting force strength. Boeing says the latest tests confirm the aircraft can stay hidden enough for missions in contested airspace.

According to the company, stealth is crucial in today’s military operations because it makes it harder for enemy radar to spot and track aircraft. This gives military forces more freedom to carry out missions in dangerous areas.

“The combination of a highly capable platform, stealth features, advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence provides unprecedented ability for air forces to extend their mission effectiveness and operational flexibility,” said Brad Thompson, Director for Phantom Works Australia.

Boeing also said that passing these tests shows the aircraft’s design is mature and boosts confidence in its ability to survive in combat.

Radar testing provides measurable data

A major part of the validation was Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing, which Boeing described as one of the primary methods for assessing an aircraft’s stealth characteristics.

The company ran RCS tests on the MQ-28 to get reliable performance data. It said this helps customers understand how easily the aircraft can be detected and judge how well it works in real missions.

The data also helps verify engineering models, support certifications, and guide buying decisions. It lets military planners develop tactics, countermeasures, and assess risks.

Boeing said the MQ-28’s radar cross-section makes it much harder for enemy radar to detect and target the aircraft from a distance. The company added that testing proved that its design, manufacturing, and materials are keeping radar visibility low.

Flight testing program continues to expand

Development of the Ghost Bat began in 2017, and it flew for the first time in 2021. Since then, it has completed over 150 flights and taken part in more complex demonstrations.

One of the program’s major achievements involved teaming two airborne MQ-28 aircraft and a digital aircraft with an E-7A Wedgetail during a mission against an airborne target. The MQ-28 has also operated from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Tindal, demonstrating its ability to operate from new locations.

The company said the program has improved multi-aircraft teamwork while keeping up daily flight operations during tests.

Autonomous combat demonstrations show growing capability

Besides stealth testing, Boeing has kept working on the MQ-28’s autonomous combat features.

The company reported the MQ-28 worked with both an E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet during tests, where it autonomously engaged and shot down an airborne target. The aircraft also finished its first three international flight tests at Point Mugu, California.

Those tests were designed to validate autonomous operations while demonstrating rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied base.

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