Boeing to debut Ghost Bat drone at Farnborough Airshow

U.S aerospace group will also show 777X cabin section, Chinook helicopters and T-7 simulator

Boeing will debut its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, it emerged today.

The U.S aerospace group said the aircraft will appear on static display for the first time at Farnborough as part of a wider showcase of commercial, defence and services programmes.

The Ghost Bat is designed to work alongside crewed aircraft and can be used for surveillance, electronic warfare and force multiplication.

Boeing will also display a full-size 777X cabin section, a T-7 flight deck simulator and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The company said its Farnborough programme would highlight commercial aircraft, defence systems, services, sustainability tools and international partnerships.

Kelly Ortberg, Boeing president and its chief executive, said: “Every day is an opportunity to continue building trust as we focus on safety, quality and on-time performance.

“At Farnborough, we look forward to reconnecting with our customers and suppliers, and strengthening our international partnerships — including Boeing’s more than 85-year commitment to the United Kingdom — built upon the full range of our commercial, defense and services capabilities.”

Visitors to Boeing’s exhibit will be able to see an interactive 777X interior section, showing the aircraft’s wider cabin and cabin architecture.

The T-7 simulator will offer a hands-on display of the fighter trainer’s flight deck and capabilities.

Boeing said BAE’s pavilion will also have a T-7 simulator available for media visits.

The company will use the show to highlight services for government and commercial customers, including parts, modifications, cabin products, digital services and training.

It will also display the Boeing Cascade Climate Impact Model, a data-modelling and visualisation tool used to assess possible routes to lower aviation’s climate impact as the sector grows.

Aircraft and systems listed for display include the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a US Army CH-47F Chinook and a UK Joint Aviation Command CH-47 Chinook.

Boeing executives will take part in airshow panels on sustainable aviation fuel finance, aerospace supply chains and technology.

The company will also host media briefings on the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, the commercial aircraft market, the 777X and the P-8A Poseidon.

Farnborough International Airshow opens on July 20.

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_{Main image: Boeing to Showcase Global Programs and Partnerships at Farnborough International Airshow. Credit: Boeing}