A secret aircraft has been built inside the Scaled Composites facility in Mojave, California. Credit: Google Maps
Aviation Week exclusively revealed October 27, 2025 that Northrop Grumman secretly built large autonomous aircraft dubbed Project Lotus at Scaled Composites rapid prototyping facility in Mojave California. Turbofan-powered UAS appears to represent Northrop candidate for Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 2 program finalizing requirements ahead of scheduled 2026 acquisition. Northrop stated investments prioritize production at speed and scale generating step-change advancements in production speed, weight, parts reduction and overall cost efficiency benefiting spectrum of autonomous capabilities. Completed demonstrator potentially gains advantage over Lockheed Martin rival Project Vectis design not scheduled for first flight until 2027.
Key Takeaways
Northrop's secret autonomous combat aircraft demonstrator validates defense industry accelerated transition from autonomous aircraft concepts to operational hardware, demonstrating production readiness pathway relevant to TriFan autonomous development timeline.
Why This Matters
"• Aviation Week exclusively reveals Northrop Grumman secretly built large autonomous aircraft dubbed Project Lotus at Scaled Composites facility
• Turbofan-powered UAS represents Northrop candidate for Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 2 program
• Northrop achieved operational demonstrator ahead of Lockheed Martin rival Project Vectis not scheduled for first flight until 2027
• Company prioritizes production at speed and scale, generating step-change advancements in production speed, weight, parts reduction, and cost efficiency
• Completed demonstrator provides competitive advantage in CCA program as Air Force finalizes requirements for 2026 acquisition decision"