Airbus Unveils New Wingman Drone at ILA Berlin

Airbus will showcase its new Wingman concept at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin. Traditionally, a Wingman is a pilot in another aircraft supporting the flight lead. In the Airbus concept, the Wingman is a drone controlled by a pilot in a combat aircraft, such as the Eurofighter, taking on high-risk missions that would be too dangerous for manned aircraft.

The full-scale model, on display from June 5 to 9, highlights capabilities like low observability, advanced sensors, and connectivity. This model will serve as a foundation for future Wingman designs.

The Wingman is designed to augment manned combat aircraft with uncrewed platforms that can carry weapons and other effectors. Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, stated, "The German Air Force has expressed a clear need for an unmanned aircraft flying with and supporting missions of its manned fighter jets before the Future Combat Air System will be operational in 2040. Our Wingman concept is the answer. We will further drive and fine-tune this innovation made in Germany so that ultimately we can offer the German Air Force an affordable solution with the performance it needs to maximise the effects and multiply the power of its fighter fleet for the 2030s."

The Wingman's tasks include reconnaissance, jamming targets, and engaging targets with precision guided munitions or missiles. Pilots in manned aircraft will control the missions, making final decisions while benefiting from the protection and reduced risk exposure offered by unmanned systems. An additional focus is on increasing combat mass affordably to match the number of opposing forces in conflicts.