Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard returns to flight, expanding its envelope ahead of Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomy flight testing. The Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard has resumed flight testing at Mojave Air and Space Port, entering a new phase of envelope expansion flights that will prepare the aircraft for its role in Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomous testbed ecosystem. These upgrades pave the way for the Model 437 to serve as a versatile airborne platform for experimentation with autonomy and artificial intelligence-driven mission software. From Loyal Wingman Concept to Versatile TestbedAs we previously reported here at The Aviationist, the Model 437 Vanguard was originally conceived as an unmanned loyal wingman concept in 2021, designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in attritable roles. The aircraft’s optional manned capability allows safety pilots to supervise tests while gradually handing over control to autonomy software, reducing risks in early phases.