Scaled Composites 437

Scaled Composites 437
Role Experimental aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Scaled Composites
First flight 29 August 2024
Developed from Scaled Composites 401[1]

The Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard is a stealth demonstration aircraft built by Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman.[2] Based off the Scaled Composites 401 the model 437 includes manual piloting capabilities and an engine change from the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D to the more powerful Pratt & Whitney PW535. It intends to explore the role of a low cost jet aircraft,[3] and demonstrate rapid design techniques as part of Northrop's "Digital Pathfinder" program.[4]

It completed its first flight on August 29, 2024, at Mojave Air and Space Port.[5]

  1. ^ Tirpak, John (6 September 2024). "Northrop: Adding a Pilot to New Model 437 Will Speed Testing". Air and Space Forces. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Digital Pathfinder Fact Sheet" (PDF). NorthropGrumman.com. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Vanguard". Scaled composites. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  4. ^ Ryan, Finnerty. "Northrop releases first flight video of Scaled Composites Model 437 low-cost jet". Flight Global. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Northrop Grumman Releases First Air-to-Air Footage Of Model 437 Vanguard". The Aviationist. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.