The first prototype of the Model 437 Scaled Composites, starts from Northrop Grumman, completed its maiden flight. The design, which is under development as a combat drone “loyal wingman” since 2021, was notable for including a cockpit at this early stage.
“The Model 437 Vanguard is…powered by a single Pratt & Whitney 535 engine with approximately 3.400 pounds of thrust. The aircraft has a 41-foot wingspan and 41 feet in length with a gross takeoff weight of 10.000 pounds,” according to Scaled Composites. “Upon completion of envelope expansion, the M437 Vanguard will have a range of approximately 3.000 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours. The aircraft can carry up to 2.000 pounds of payload in multiple locations, including an internal weapons bay sized to accommodate two AIM-120s.” declared the Scaled Composites.
The Model 437 still has unclear details regarding its development, although it was designed to meet the U.S. military's advanced combat drone requirements, possibly for missions Collaborative Air Combat (CCA). Exports of some of the USAF's CCA aircraft are also becoming an increasing possibility.
A Northrop Grumman released a press release aspect-centered Digital Pathfinder of the Model 437 Vanguard, also calling it a “technology demonstrator.”
“Development began in the fully connected digital ecosystem with Northrop Grumman, customer s and suppliers collaborating to develop, analyze, build and test the wings in advance of the Model 437’s first flight on August 29.”, said the statement. “The Digital Pathfinder project demonstrated how the company’s fully digital engineering ecosystem reduces engineering rework, accelerates schedules and reduces costs, delivering advantages to customers in future aircraft programs.”
Street: Warzone
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