Northrop Grumman CEO says Talon Blue completes autonomous flight and TalonIQ tests partner software

Northrop Grumman said Talon Blue completed its first fully autonomous flight, independently handling taxiing, takeoff, flight manoeuvres and landing before further autonomy trials. The aircraft was designed and built in 24 months, while the related TalonIQ test environment has demonstrated integration with other companies' mission-autonomy software. Around half a dozen partners have participated in cooperative integration projects, including work on interoperability and control of other platforms. Disclosed during the October 20 earnings call, the milestones support aircraft and software development for prospective US and international customers, without constituting a new customer selection or production order.