A prototype of the Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft, developed for the Airpower Teaming System (ATS) project in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing, has completed the first taxi.

The function and integration of the Loyal Wingman, including brake and engine controls, were checked.

The unmanned aircraft, which is scheduled to make its first flight this year, was designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia. Loyal Wingman is seen as Boeing's largest investment in the unmanned aircraft project outside the United States.

Loyal Wingman, which is scheduled to perform joint missions with other manned and unmanned aerial platforms, will be used in reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence and electronic warfare missions.