Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A Talon Blue autonomous uncrewed aircraft is scheduled for its first flight in August 2026. The aircraft is widely regarded as a major contender for Increment 2 of the US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme.
First unveiled in December 2025, the YFQ-48 received its official Air Force designation YFQ-48A the same month and was named Talon Blue in February 2026. Northrop Grumman stated that the aircraft is 1,000 pounds lighter, requires around 50% fewer parts, and is 30% faster to build than its Increment 1 proposal, featuring a V-tail and a dorsal trapezoid inlet.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW500-family turbofan engine, the prototype has an estimated length and wingspan between 10 and 12.5 metres. The Air Force previously selected General Atomics' FQ-42 and Anduril's FQ-44 for Increment 1 in 2024, aiming to field initial CCA capabilities around 2029.
