Scaled Composites completed the maiden flight of its latest experimental aircraft, the Model 437 Vanguard.
The Model 437 Vanguard is a technology demonstrator of multi-mission, low-cost, attritable aircraft that emphasizes affordability and reusability in high-risk environments. This concept, colloquially known as “loyal wingman”, aims to undertake high-risk missions while minimizing danger to human pilots. Relying on attritable drones to keep pilots and their pricey machines away from the action is central to the upcoming 6th generation of fighter jets.
The presence of a cockpit on the Model 437 prototype, registered N437VN, raises questions about whether it suggests a crewed version of the final model or if it is just for facilitating flight testing. Colin Miller, Vice President for Engineering at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, declined to comment when asked about this by The War Zone.
Leveraging Northrop Grumman’s Digital Pathfinder program
According to Scaled Composites, its parent company, Northrop Grumman, assisted in the project, particularly in developing the aircraft’s removable wing assemblies. The company leveraged techniques developed through its Digital Pathfinder program, already employed during the development of the B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber.
Northrop Grumman states that with the digital ecosystem, engineering rework has been decreased to less than 1%, compared to the 15-20% usually encountered with conventional methods.
“We continue to refine these digital tools and capabilities to continuously improve them for future efforts,” Miller said in a press release. “This project demonstrates how high-fidelity models within our digital ecosystem serve as a single source of truth to streamline testing and certification on future aircraft, significantly saving cost and time for our customer.”
The Model 437 Vanguard, which evolved from the initial Model 401 design, is propelled by a single Pratt & Whitney 535 engine, delivering around 3,400 pounds of thrust.
Featuring a wingspan and length of 41 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds, the aircraft provides a payload capability of up to 2,000 pounds, which includes an internal weapons bay designed to house two AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. Ultimately, the Model 437 Vanguard is anticipated to offer a range of about 3,000 nautical miles and an endurance of up to six hours.
