The Royal Navy has announced that it will sign a statement of intent with Northrop Grumman to prepare the TALON (YFQ-48A) uncrewed aircraft for carrier operations…
Under the agreement, the UK aims to conduct trials in 2027, including a launch demonstration from an aircraft carrier.
The work, to be carried out under Project VANQUISH, aims to enable the jet-powered Talon UAS, featuring short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, to operate from Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Designated YFQ-48A by the US Air Force, Talon forms part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concept, which involves the development of low-cost, semi-autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets.
The platform is intended to operate from aircraft carriers without requiring catapults or arrestor gear…