Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard Has Flown For The First Time | Aviation

Developed as an unmanned loyal wingman, the Model 437 performed the first flight with a cockpit and Scaled Composites’ Brian Maisler at the commands.

The new Model 437 aircraft by Scaled Composites, the well-known cutting-edge aerospace company famous for its many exotic aircraft, has flown for the first time on Aug. 29, 2024. The aircraft, which has been named Vanguard (and this is referenced also in the registration N437VN), took off from the company facilities at the Mojave Air and Space Port, California.

Built in partnership with the parent company Northrop Grumman, the Model 437 was seen for the first time earlier this month as it was being towed in the airport. Until then, the Model 437 was known through the official rendering as an unmanned aircraft, so it came as a surprise to many when it was discovered that the aircraft has a cockpit.

One of first aspects that many noticed was the similarity to one of the company’s earlier designs, the Model 401. This has now also been confirmed by Scaled Composites, which said in the first flight’s press release that Model 437 began as a conceptual design based on the Model 401, exploring a multi-mission low-cost attritable aircraft.

Here is a description of the design provided by the company:

“The Model 437 Vanguard is a crewed variant of the…”