Northrop Grumman is advancing the future of autonomous air combat with YFQ-48A Talon Blue, the U.S. Air Force variant within its company-funded Project Talon portfolio. Designated as YFQ-48A by the Air Force, Talon Blue reflects an ongoing partnership focused on rapidly delivering an autonomous wingman capable of supporting crewed fighters. This step signals Northrop Grumman’s ongoing commitment to innovating with speed and investment ahead of demand, delivering mission-ready autonomy on day one.
Here’s what you need to know about the YFQ-48A Talon Blue.
YFQ-48A Talon Blue
Talon Blue is a part of Project Talon: a portfolio of modular, cost-effective and rapidly deployable aircraft that meet the customers’ autonomy needs. The company is also focusing on software as part of the portfolio which will help industry develop future capabilities through access to Northrop Grumman’s autonomous testbeds.
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Download free sample pages More informationYFQ-48A Talon Blue’s designation within the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program underscores the strategic alignment between Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing agility and the Air Force’s acquisition goals for low-cost, cutting-edge technology. The aircraft’s design provides mission versatility through advanced modular manufacturing techniques that reduce part count and overall weight – shortening production timelines without sacrificing capability.
“We continue to push the boundaries of mission ready autonomy with our Project Talon portfolio. 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,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
Talon IQ™
Talon IQ™, part of the Project Talon portfolio, is Northrop Grumman’s next-generation autonomous testbed ecosystem which allows partners to develop and refine software using trusted flight autonomy hardware and proven integration expertise. The ecosystem operates on the Scaled Composites Model 437 aircraft, expanding opportunities for collaboration and ongoing innovation.
Details
Northrop Grumman’s approach draws on lessons from prior projects and close collaboration with customers and industry partners to deliver scalable, modular solutions that meet the evolving demands of future warfighters. The company’s investment in both software and hardware development ensures not only affordability but also rapid iteration, pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight capability. Northrop Grumman has listened, invested and iterated on its designs to deliver greater value when creating affordable autonomous capabilities, encompassing hardware and software.
