September 22, 2021
Boeing has selected Wellcamp Airport as its preferred site for an unmanned‑aircraft production facility, their first outside North America.
The Boeing Australia facility will produce and assemble the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, known as the Loyal Wingman, subject to defence orders.
The aircraft made its first flight in February 2021 and will be the first military combat aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in Australia in half a century.
It is designed to work as part of a smart team with existing military aircraft – both manned and unmanned – to complement and extend airborne missions.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the partnership showed great confidence in Queensland as a world leader in advanced manufacturing.
“In choosing Wellcamp Airport, Boeing have taken an important step towards delivering their purpose-built final assembly facility,” she said.
Wagner Corporation expects construction will support about 300 jobs, with at least 70 high-skilled advanced manufacturing jobs created once the facility opens.
Boeing Defence Australia vice-president Scott Carpendale said the company was “thinking long-term” about the Wellcamp investment, which could assist Australia to gain future global defence and aerospace opportunities.
“The Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct location is attractive due to its access to a flight line, clear flying days, commercial flight access from major cities and ability to support the rapid pace at which the Airpower Teaming System program is growing,” Mr Carpendale said.
Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said Boeing’s selection of Wellcamp was a major boost for the region.
“Attracting investment and global companies such as Boeing to Toowoomba is recognition of the strategic advantages the Wellcamp Airport site offers, including access to the future Inland Rail,” Mr Wagner said.
- External link: Boeing Airpower Teaming System
