Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue has completed its first fully autonomous flight, covering taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing in Mojave, California, according to Northrop Grumman.
Built for speed and affordability
The company developed the autonomous wingman for the US Air Force with its own funding. Talon Blue uses a modular design and advanced manufacturing techniques to cut costs and speed up production. Engineers reduced the part count and overall weight without compromising mission capability.
The aircraft also targets flexible operations. Its high air intake, wide wheelbase and integrated weapons bay support a broad range of missions for US and allied partners.
Customer demand drives the approach
Craig Woolston, vice president and general manager of research and advanced design at Northrop Grumman, said customers want autonomous systems that field faster and cost less, without losing effectiveness. “Our customers made it clear they need autonomous systems that can be fielded faster and more affordably,” he said. He added that each flight and lesson strengthens the company’s broader autonomy work.
The flight draws on seven decades of autonomy experience and more than 500,000 autonomous flight hours. Northrop Grumman will use lessons from Talon Blue to inform future autonomous systems.
Learn more on Northrop Grumman’s website
