BRISBANE, QLD, May 5, 2020 – Microelectronic Technologies (MeT) has been selected to design and manufacture vehicle interface units and hardware test equipment for the Loyal Wingman – Advanced Development Program led by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force.

“Our team is excited and privileged to join the Boeing team and contribute to the design of Australia’s Loyal Wingman program,” said Brenton Lang, General Manager, Microelectronic Technologies. “This contract will help us support more than one hundred jobs across Southeast Queensland, from local suppliers, manufacturers and subcontractors.”

The project has demanded a strict schedule and precise requirements, but MeT has welcomed the challenge to help support the Australian aviation defence industry,” he said.”

MeT designed and manufactured the aircraft’s vehicle interface unit, which connects the flight control computer, the on-board sensors and control systems.

MeT joins over 35 Australian companies in manufacturing the first military aircraft in Australia in more than 50 years. The aircraft rolled out today is the first of three prototypes for Australia’s Loyal Wingman program and serves as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System product being developed for the global defence market.

MeT has been a supplier to Boeing since 2000. MeT is also a supplier to a range of other Boeing defence programs, including Currawong Battlespace Communications System and the Collins-Class Submarines.

“The Loyal Wingman is a historic development program for the Australian aerospace industry, Boeing and our entire industry team, and we’ve worked together with speed and agility to deliver this smart unmanned aircraft,” said Shane Arnott, Boeing Airpower Teaming System program director. “We’ve leveraged the skills of the local supply chain to build a Loyal Wingman that will work together with other airpower teaming assets to provide an unmatched capability for Australia and for our global customers.”