Prototype drone completes first successful test flight

The prototype of the future Loyal Wingman uncrewed fighter flew for the first time last week with test pilot Brian Maisler at the controls. The Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard took off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California for a local flight, and Maisler did not report any issues.

"Today’s first flight was in a good jet with a great team," said Maisler. "This is the best part of my job. Thanks to everyone and their two years of hard work culminating in making this an uneventful and fun day."

Although the plane will eventually fly uncrewed alongside crewed aircraft, the Vanguard is believed to be used for basic aerodynamics and performance testing. It is designed to be a low-cost and even expendable helper on combat missions, capable of carrying up to 2,000 pounds of weapons, including two AIM-120 missiles. It has a range of 3,000 nautical miles and an endurance of six hours.