Northrop Grumman advances YFQ-48A Talon Blue autonomous wingman for U.S. Air Force CCA Program

Designated YFQ-48A by the U.S. Air Force, Talon Blue is positioned within the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. According to the company, this step underscores its commitment to investing ahead of demand and delivering mission-ready autonomy from the outset.

Talon Blue forms part of Project Talon, a portfolio of modular, cost-effective and rapidly deployable aircraft developed to meet customers’ autonomy requirements. Northrop Grumman is also focusing on software within the portfolio to help industry develop future capabilities through access to its autonomous testbeds.

The aircraft’s inclusion in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program aligns Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing approach with the Air Force’s acquisition goals for low-cost, advanced technology. Its design uses modular manufacturing techniques intended to reduce part count and overall weight, thereby shortening production timelines without compromising capability.

Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said, “We continue to push the boundaries of mission ready autonomy with our Project Talon portfolio.” He added, “Speed is engineered well before metal is bent through anticipating mission needs, investing ahead of demand, and building the digital backbone and manufacturing capacity to move quickly and act with clarity. Our depth allows us to deliver aircraft that aren’t just autonomous – they are mission capable on day one.”

As part of the portfolio, Talon IQ is described as Northrop Grumman’s next-generation autonomous testbed ecosystem. It enables partners to develop and refine software using established flight autonomy hardware and integration expertise.

The Talon IQ ecosystem operates on the Scaled Composites Model 437 aircraft, supporting collaboration and continued innovation. This structure is intended to expand opportunities for software development and system integration within autonomous flight programs.

Northrop Grumman states that its approach draws on lessons from prior projects and close collaboration with customers and industry partners. The company says its combined investment in software and hardware supports affordability, rapid iteration and scalable, modular solutions designed to meet evolving operational requirements.