MQ-28 Ghost Bat vs XQ-58 Valkyrie
Ghost Bat and Valkyrie are relevant to collaborative uncrewed-aircraft development, but they have distinct airframes, program histories and integration paths. Their value as experiments or capability demonstrators should not be confused with a proven one-for-one replacement for a crewed fighter.
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Specifications side by side
| Specification | MQ-28 Ghost Bat | XQ-58 Valkyrie |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing Australia | Kratos |
| Country of origin | Australia | USA |
| Mission role | Loyal Wingman / ISR / Strike | Loyal Wingman / Strike |
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2019 |
| Length | 11.7 m | 8.8 m |
| Wingspan | 7.3 m | 6.7 m |
| Height | 2.4 m | 1.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 926 km/h | 1,050 km/h |
| Published range | 3,700 km | 5,556 km |
| Endurance | 5+ hours | 6+ hours |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m | 13,700 m |
| Payload | Classified | 272 kg |
| Weight | 5,700 kg | 2,722 kg |
| Armament | Air-to-air missiles, bombs (modular internal bay) | Small diameter bombs, AIM-120 AMRAAM (internal bay) |
Figures below come from the linked DroneStrike profiles and retain their configuration qualifiers. Maximum speed, range, endurance and payload are separate published figures, not a single achievable mission configuration. Range is not necessarily combat radius or datalink reach. Missing information is not zero, and a larger figure does not establish combat effectiveness.
The comparison that matters
Compare dated flight and mission-system milestones, demonstrated payloads and launch or recovery requirements. Public labels such as loyal wingman do not establish identical autonomy, networking or rules for weapons employment, and undisclosed performance should remain unknown rather than estimated as fact.
Understanding MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Ghost Bat is a collaborative combat-aircraft development intended to work with other aircraft and mission systems. It should be assessed through demonstrated integration and mission roles rather than promotional uses of the phrase loyal wingman.
Prototype flights, sensor demonstrations, weapons work and an operational squadron are separate levels of evidence.
Understanding XQ-58 Valkyrie
Valkyrie is an uncrewed jet associated with experimentation in collaborative operations, payloads and less conventional basing concepts. The X designation and test context matter when comparing it with an operational service aircraft.
Do not turn a payload demonstration or autonomy experiment into a claim that every proposed combat role is fielded.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named MQ-28 Ghost Bat and XQ-58 Valkyrie catalog records, not an artificial combination of every advertised upgrade. Values are reproduced with their existing units and qualifications. Where figures describe different missions or payload types, treat them as context rather than calculating an unsupported performance advantage.
A published maximum is not necessarily achievable alongside every other maximum. Endurance may change with equipment, flight or sea conditions and transit requirements; a range figure may describe a different constraint from datalink reach. Unknown specifications remain unknown. For development programs and limited-disclosure systems, an intended capability must stay distinct from a completed trial or operational service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between MQ-28 Ghost Bat and XQ-58 Valkyrie?
Ghost Bat and Valkyrie are relevant to collaborative uncrewed-aircraft development, but they have distinct airframes, program histories and integration paths. Their value as experiments or capability demonstrators should not be confused with a proven one-for-one replacement for a crewed fighter.
Can the headline specifications establish a winner?
No. The mission, actual configuration, supported force and quality of evidence determine what the figures mean. Maximum speed, endurance and payload alone do not establish combat effectiveness, survivability or equal intelligence collection.
Where can I verify the versions and figures used here?
Follow the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and XQ-58 Valkyrie profile links for full descriptions, timelines and any listed source references. This guide preserves the catalog's uncertainty labels rather than presenting unpublished or weakly sourced figures as independently verified facts.
Sources and further reading
- MQ-28 Ghost Bat: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- XQ-58 Valkyrie: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
Specifications are drawn from the linked catalog profiles. Source dates and aircraft configurations may differ; see the individual profiles for their timelines and qualifications.