Berlin, 3 June 2024 – At the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin, Airbus is set to unveil its innovative Wingman concept. In military aviation parlance, a “Wingman” refers to a pilot in an adjacent aircraft that provides protection, support, and tactical options to the lead pilot, enhancing mission success. Airbus’s interpretation of this concept involves a fighter-type drone, which will be remotely commanded by a pilot in a modern combat aircraft, such as the Eurofighter. This approach allows the Wingman to undertake high-risk missions that may be detrimental to manned aircraft alone.
The showcased 1:1 model, displayed at ILA from June 5 to 9, mirrors a “show car” used in the automotive sector for design demonstration. The Wingman model highlights proposed capabilities, including low observability, diverse armament integration, advanced sensors, connectivity, and collaborative solutions. Similar to automotive show cars, some features exhibited may not make it to production, with the ILA model serving as a foundation to refine the requirements for future Wingman generations.
The concept aims to strengthen the capabilities of current manned combat aircraft by incorporating uncrewed platforms capable of carrying weapons and additional effectors.
“The German Air Force has articulated a pressing need for an unmanned aircraft that can accompany and support its manned fighter jets before the Future Combat Air System becomes operational in 2040,” stated Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “Our Wingman concept addresses this need. We are committed to refining this innovation developed in Germany to provide the German Air Force with a cost-effective solution, maximizing the effectiveness and enhancing the capability of its fighter fleet for the coming decade.”
The Wingman’s operational responsibilities will span reconnaissance, target jamming, and engaging ground or aerial targets utilizing precision-guided munitions or missiles. Manned aircraft pilots, serving as “command fighters,” will retain control over missions, maintaining final decision-making authority while benefiting from reduced risk exposure through the delegation of tactical tasks to unmanned systems. A key focus remains on increasing overall combat capacity affordably, enabling air forces to counteract peer-level threats in conflict scenarios.
The Wingman is a drone that operates alongside manned fighter jets, receiving tasks and missions from pilots in command aircraft like the Eurofighter.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2024-06-02)
