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Advanced / Transformational Technology

Northrop Grumman Unveils Testbed For Autonomy Software

By Cal Biesecker

Friday, June 20th, 2025

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Northrop Grumman Unveils Testbed For Autonomy Software

Northrop Grumman has unveiled Beacon, its next-generation testbed ecosystem for autonomous mission capabilities. Photo: Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman [NOC] last week unveiled Beacon, what it calls a “testbed ecosystem” that brings together its flight hardware with autonomy software solutions from other vendors to evaluate and quickly mature solutions in simulated operational scenarios. The company currently has five partners, including drone developer and artificial intelligence pilot company Shield AI, to test their solutions. The internally-funded Beacon ecosystem includes Northrop Grumman’s M437 autonomous aircraft that includes a cockpit for piloting during testing, and leverages the company’s autonomous flight…

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