Scaled Composites Model 401

Scaled Composites · United States · first flew 2017 · fighter

The Scaled Composites Model 401 is a twin-engine subsonic demonstrator built to evaluate low-observable technologies and agile flight characteristics for Northrop Grumman's tactical aircraft programs. It first flew in 2017 from Mojave Air and Space Port.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.58 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Stealthy demonstrator with flush twin engine inlets
Tandem two-seat cockpit under long bubble canopy
Smooth blended composite airframe with minimal external features

Notable for its very clean, faceted composite airframe with no visible external weapons stations, side-by-side length-to-span ratio of 1:1, and twin buried engines fed by cheek inlets. The long tandem canopy and swept wing distinguish it from other Scaled Composites designs.

Specifications

The Scaled Composites Model 401 has a length of 11.58 m (38 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.58 m (38 ft).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Built in secrecy and revealed in late 2017, the Model 401 (nicknamed 'Son of Ares') was designed to support development activities related to Northrop Grumman's next-generation fighter concepts. It features a blended-wing composite construction typical of Scaled Composites prototypes and is used as a testbed rather than a combat aircraft.

Variants

Two aircraft were built; both are operated as technology demonstrators with no production variant planned.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman at Mojave for ongoing flight-test and technology development programs.

Related aircraft

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