Boeing Ghost Bat factory starts to take shape in southern Qld

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Rewritten by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

Early construction work is now under way on Boeing Australia’s new MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned drone factory at Toowoomba.
Construction work on the 9000 square metre facility at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct has been contracted to Wagner Corporation.
The Ghost Bat was the first combat aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years. It features fighter-like performance and can act as a wingman to crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and support surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

Construction of the production and final assembly facility is due to start later this year and is due to finish by 2027. The project will create 200 construction jobs with the production facility expected to create at least 100 highly skilled advanced manufacturing jobs such as advanced composites manufacturing and robotics.
The MQ-28 production facility will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities, including carbon fibre composites manufacture, along with advanced robotic assembly for major components, and final assembly and test capabilities. 

Deputy Qld Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the Ghost Bat was “a momentous project” for Queensland and Australian sovereign capabilities.
“A project of this magnitude firmly establishes Queensland as Australia’s prime location for significant, high-tech, advanced manufacturing projects,” he said.
“It’s estimated the economic benefit to in Queensland of this project could be up to $1 billion over 10 years.”

Boeing Defence Australia managing director Amy List said the new facility is Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside North America.
“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” she said.
“The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies.
“We’re partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”
Scott Carpendale is Boeing’s Vice-President Global Services – Government Services for Asia Pacific. “Our over 30-year strong partnership with the Queensland Government has resulted in a number of cutting-edge Boeing systems and technologies being developed in the region,” he said.
“The groundbreaking of the MQ-28 production facility reinforces Boeing’s confidence in the local defence and aviation industry ….”