Northrop Grumman Tern
Appearance
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Tactically_Exploited_Reconnaissance_Node.jpg/220px-Tactically_Exploited_Reconnaissance_Node.jpg)
Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (TERN), a joint program between DARPA and the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR), seeks to greatly increase the effectiveness of forward-deployed small-deck ships such as destroyers and frigates by enabling them to serve as mobile launch and recovery sites for specially designed unmanned aerial systems (UAS).[1] These vehicles are to carry 600 pounds (270 kg) of ordnance in order to conduct combat strikes.[2][3]
History
[edit]Northrop Grumman won the contract to develop the project in December 2015 with tail-sitter, flying wing aircraft with a twin nose-mounted contra-rotating propeller propulsion system.[4][5]
References
[edit]- ^ "DARPA Doubles Down on Tern by Funding 2nd Test Vehicle". DARPA.
- ^ "DARPA's Tern drone passes milestones". 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Northrop's New Combat Drone Could Outclass Boeing F/A-18, Lockheed F-35". Fox Business. 18 December 2016.
- ^ "Northrop Grumman wins DARPA TERN programme". Flight Global.
- ^ "General Electric and Northrop Grumman Will Put a Drone on Every Boat". 23 March 2018.