Northrop Grumman KQ-X

The Northrop Grumman KQ‑X is an experimental high‑altitude, long‑duration (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Northrop Grumman in the early 2020s as a technology demonstrator for future ISR and communications platforms. The program originated from a 2019 contract with the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) office, which sought a flexible, survivable platform capable of operating above 60,000 feet for up to 48 hours. The KQ‑X combines a blended‑wing body layout with carbon‑fiber composite construction, giving a low radar cross‑section and an efficient lift‑to‑drag ratio. Its payload suite includes modular sensor bays for synthetic‑aperture radar, signals‑intelligence arrays, and broadband communications relays, all powered by a turbofan engine equipped with an adaptive cycle inlet and a hybrid‑electric boost system that reduces fuel consumption. Flight testing began in 2023 at Edwards Air Force Base, demonstrating autonomous launch, mid‑air refueling, and precision return‑to‑base landing. Though still a prototype, the KQ‑X has influenced the design of the next generation of persistent surveillance drones, highlighting Northrop Grumman’s leadership in integrating stealth, endurance, and flexible payload architecture into modern aviation. It also serves as a testbed for artificial‑intelligence‑driven mission planning, paving the way for autonomous swarm operations in contested airspaces.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman KQ-X

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