Saab unveils concept for autonomous 'loyal wingman' combat aircraft

Saab has shown a mock-up of an autonomous collaborative platform, referred to internally as aircraft A3, which the company says could become the production successor to two uncrewed demonstrators it is currently developing for Sweden's FMV defence materiel administration.

The model was unveiled at an event marking the Swedish air force's 100th anniversary near Saab's Linkoping base. Peter Nilsson, head of the company's advanced programmes unit, told journalists that Saab wants to be a first-mover in the high-end loyal wingman aircraft category. He said the A3 concept illustrates capabilities that could be built into any eventual production aircraft, and that such a platform could enter service by the middle of the next decade if a development contract is awarded.

Saab is already under contract to build two demonstrator aircraft, designated A1 and A2, for the Swedish government. According to Nilsson, the first of these is expected to fly within roughly 15 months. Both will be powered by a single GE Aerospace F414 engine, the same powerplant used in Saab's Gripen E fighter, chosen partly because the company already has extensive experience with it.

The A1 demonstrator is intended to prove Saab can build a low-observable airframe, and includes space for an internal weapons bay, though Nilsson said no weapon will actually be fired from it. The A2 aircraft, which he said would be similar but not identical to A1, is set to demonstrate additional technologies, including new materials, sensors and a functioning internal weapons bay. Sweden reportedly set a demanding requirement for the A1 program, calling for concept to first flight within 36 months, a timeline Nilsson described as challenging.