Northrop Grumman Firebird
Northrop Grumman Corporation · United States · first flew 2010 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Northrop Grumman Firebird is an optionally piloted aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It can be flown by a pilot aboard or controlled remotely as an unmanned aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.36 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Optionally piloted ISR aircraft — can fly manned or as UAV
- Twin-boom pusher or tractor turboprop configuration
- Large sensor payload in nose and belly
A high-wing twin-boom turboprop with a large sensor nose and the distinctive dual boom tail — the optionally piloted cockpit section can be flown with or without a pilot.
Specifications
- The Northrop Grumman Firebird has a length of 10.36 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.81 m (65 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Firebird was developed as a company-funded project by Northrop Grumman and first flew in 2010. Its optionally piloted concept allows flexible operation in both manned and unmanned configurations without structural changes. The design emphasises long endurance and large payload capacity for sensors.
Variants
The initial Firebird demonstrator; specific production variants have not been publicly announced.
Where you'll see it
The Firebird has been demonstrated to US government customers; operational service details are not publicly confirmed.
Related aircraft
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