Developed using internal R&D investment, Beacon leverages Northrop Grumman’s proven autonomous flight software and hardware—specifically the Model 437 Vanguard aircraft, now modified for optionally autonomous flight. It provides an open-access architecture where third-party developers can test, refine, and validate their systems against government-aligned standards.
“Beacon is sixth-generation autonomous software development,” said Tom Jones, President of Aeronautics Systems at Northrop Grumman. "It's designed to bridge innovators and operators across the defense industry and dramatically reduce the timeline and cost of bringing autonomous mission solutions to market."
Northrop Grumman has already partnered with several firms in the AI and autonomy space, offering them access to Beacon’s integrated digital ecosystem. This initiative not only supports rapid prototyping but also aligns with ongoing and future aircraft programs.
Flight demonstrations are scheduled throughout the year, showcasing Beacon’s ability to integrate multiple autonomous mission solutions at scale.
The Beacon ecosystem reflects Northrop Grumman’s broader strategy to drive innovation through its $13.5 billion investment in R&D and infrastructure over the past five years. The initiative aims to support U.S. government goals while fostering cross-industry collaboration in the autonomous systems domain.
