Scaled Composites Model 437 resumes testing with upgrades ahead of Beacon autonomy campaign

Scaled Composites Model 437 demonstrator resumes test flights

Scaled Composites has restarted flight testing of its Model 437 demonstrator, marking what the Mojave, California-based company said is the beginning of a new envelope-expansion campaign that will set the stage for joining Northrop Grumman’s upcoming Beacon autonomous flight program.  Scaled Composites confirmed that the Model 437 returned to the air in September 2025 after more than a year of modifications and ground evaluations since its first…

Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard Begins Envelope Expansion Flights

Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard returns to flight, expanding its envelope ahead of Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomy flight testing. The Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard has resumed flight testing at Mojave Air and Space Port, entering a new phase of envelope expansion flights that will prepare the aircraft for its role in Northrop Grumman’s Beacon […]

Scaled Composites Model 437 resumes testing with upgrades ahead of Beacon autonomy campaign

Preparation work included updates to the hydraulic system, integration of Beacon subsystems within the airframe, and installation of pilot interfaces in the cockpit. Alongside these modifications, Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman jointly conducted hangar tests of the Beacon autonomy ecosystem on the aircraft.     Project engineer Yuto Shinagawa said, “We had the challenge of taking an airplane that has only flown once and converting it int…