An Airbus Wingman air combat drone is on display during the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show on June 5, 2024 in Schonefeld, Germany.
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airbus This week, the company unveiled a concept for a new fighter-type drone called Wingman, showing off a model at Berlin’s massive ILA air show.
Airbus said in a statement that the drone would be an “unmanned escort for manned fighter jets” statement, noting that it was designed in a similar way to an actual wingman. In aviation, a wingman is a pilot on an auxiliary aircraft responsible for supporting and protecting the main aircraft.
The drone can be commanded by a fighter pilot and deployed to perform hazardous missions that could pose a threat to manned aircraft.
“Wingman’s missions range from reconnaissance to target jamming and attacking ground or air targets with precision-guided munitions or missiles,” Airbus said.
Drones and aircraft have become key features of modern warfare. They offer efficiency and greater range because they do not require the ability to carry people, nor do they require any safety features or similar support systems.
On June 5, 2024, at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Schonefeld near Berlin, a model of Airbus’s new fighter-type drone “Wingman” was displayed.
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The model on display at the Berlin Air Show has been described as the basis for the drone’s design and eventual production. Airbus said it includes capabilities such as low observability, sensors and weapons integration.
Airbus also said it is working with artificial intelligence defense company Helsing to develop Wingman drone’s artificial intelligence technology.
VR air defense trainers, drones and fighter engines
ILA Berlin Air Show is one of the largest air shows in the world, bringing together start-ups and industry heavyweights to showcase the latest developments in civil and military aviation.
A Donaustahl Maus quadcopter kamikaze attack drone hangs on display during the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show in Schonefeld, Germany, June 5, 2024.
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A range of drones were on display this year, including so-called “kamikaze” drones believed to have been used In the war between Russia and Ukraine. These drones typically carry explosives and hover near targets before engaging them.
There were also demonstrations of virtual reality combat training equipment, which allows military personnel to experience using weapons and defense systems without actually using missiles or aircraft.
A booth host demonstrates how to use a Hensoldt virtual reality trainer aircraft to train Stinger anti-aircraft missiles at the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show in Schonefeld, Germany, June 5, 2024.
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Other equipment on display includes new fighter jet engines designed to give aircraft more power or run cooler to avoid detection, as well as reconnaissance drones and medical evacuation drones designed to efficiently reach and assist wounded soldiers.
Some of these products are already in use, while other designs are still in the concept or development stages.
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