The First Sea Lord, Jenkins, said he will sign a statement of intent with Northrop Grumman to prepare its TALON demonstrator for Royal Navy trials under Project Vanquish. He made the announcement in Oslo, at the International Sea Power Conference held on board HMS Prince of Wales, with the demonstrator on stage, and said the signing would take place on the carrier two days later.
Project Vanquish aims to show a jet-powered uncrewed aircraft that takes off on a short run and lands on the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers without catapults or arrestor gear. Jenkins said the trials will show how uncrewed combat aircraft can operate safely alongside the existing air wing.
In January the US Air Force gave Talon the designation YFQ-48A and brought it into its Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme. In June the Ministry of Defence said in Parliament that it aimed to hold a carrier demonstration within 18 months.
Also reported by Zona Militar
Background
Royal Navy
Organization
The United Kingdom's naval force, responsible for defending the country, the Crown Dependencies and the Overseas Territories.
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Northrop Grumman
Organization
US aerospace and defence company working in aeronautics, defence systems, missions and space.
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Talon
Uncrewed combat aircraft demonstrator
A Northrop Grumman uncrewed combat aircraft demonstrator, designated YFQ-48A by the US Air Force.
