Northrop Grumman’s Talon Blue Collaborative Combat Aircraft Has Flown

Northrop Grumman announced that its self-funded YFQ-48A Talon Blue Collaborative Combat Aircraft completed its first flight in Mojave, California. The drone wingman operated entirely autonomously, performing taxiing, takeoff, and a series of maneuvers before landing. This milestone is part of the company's strategy to secure a position within the U.S. Air Force's future Collaborative Combat Aircraft portfolio. The flight demonstrates the technical capabilities of the Talon Blue as a potential autonomous partner for manned aircraft.