Alpha and Gamma
Fast, efficient monoplanes that established Northrop’s reputation for advanced metal construction.
Era: 1930s
Explore the early Northrops →
Manufacturer portal
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman unites two exceptional American aviation traditions: Jack Northrop’s pursuit of efficient, tailless flying wings and Grumman’s durable carrier aircraft for the United States Navy. Their combined heritage includes the P-61 Black Widow, F-5 Tiger II, T-38 Talon, F-14 Tomcat, E-2 Hawkeye, B-2 Spirit, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-4C Triton and B-21 Raider.
1929Grumman Aircraft Engineering founded
1939Northrop Aircraft Incorporated founded
1994Northrop and Grumman merge
$95.7BYear-end 2025 company backlog
Two aircraft cultures become one
Northrop Grumman’s aircraft heritage is best understood as the meeting of two different design cultures. Jack Northrop repeatedly pursued aerodynamic efficiency, light structure and tailless aircraft. Leroy Grumman and his colleagues built robust naval aircraft designed to survive carrier landings, salt water, folding wings and demanding fleet operations.
The modern corporation also carries the heritage of Ryan Aeronautical, Teledyne Ryan, Vought, Westinghouse electronics and other companies. This page concentrates on the Northrop and Grumman fixed-wing lineages and the major aircraft programmes that now belong to Northrop Grumman.
Jack Northrop’s early career
John Knudsen “Jack” Northrop began working in aviation during the First World War era. He contributed to early Loughead aircraft and later joined the Lockheed Aircraft Company, where his structural and aerodynamic ideas helped shape the Vega and related high-performance monoplanes.
Northrop became increasingly interested in reducing drag by eliminating conventional fuselage and tail surfaces. He believed that an aircraft approaching a pure wing could offer exceptional efficiency, payload fraction and range. That conviction became the recurring theme of his career.
Avion Corporation and the first Northrop company
In 1929, Northrop established Avion Corporation. The company produced the Experimental No. 1, a streamlined all-metal aircraft that already reflected his interest in advanced structure and clean aerodynamic form.
Avion was acquired by the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation and became the Northrop Aircraft Corporation. The Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta aircraft developed during this period were fast, efficient monoplanes used for mail, passengers, racing, record flights and military experimentation.
The Alpha, Gamma and Delta
The Northrop Alpha was an advanced single-engine transport with stressed-skin metal construction. It offered speed and range for mail and passenger service and helped demonstrate the commercial possibilities of semi-monocoque metal airframes.
The Gamma was a versatile high-performance aircraft used for racing, record attempts and military development. Variants and derivatives contributed to the A-17 attack-aircraft family. The Delta enlarged the concept into a passenger transport.
These aircraft established Northrop as an innovative designer, but corporate control increasingly moved away from him. The company eventually became part of Douglas Aircraft, and Northrop left to establish another independent enterprise.
Northrop Aircraft Incorporated
Northrop Aircraft Incorporated was founded in 1939 in Hawthorne, California. This is the principal historic Northrop company recognised in the modern corporation’s heritage.
The company entered wartime production with aircraft including the N-3PB floatplane and P-61 Black Widow. At the same time, Jack Northrop obtained the resources to investigate the flying-wing idea at progressively larger scales.
N-3PB: a rare wartime floatplane
The N-3PB was a single-engine patrol floatplane ordered by Norway shortly before the German invasion in 1940. The aircraft were ultimately operated by Norwegian forces from Iceland under British command.
The type was produced in small numbers and remains a comparatively obscure branch of Northrop history. Its conventional layout contrasts sharply with the experimental flying wings being developed by the same company.
P-61 Black Widow
The P-61 Black Widow was a large twin-engined night fighter developed around airborne-interception radar. It had twin booms, a central crew nacelle and heavy armament.
The Black Widow became the first American aircraft designed from the outset as a radar-equipped night fighter. It served in Europe, the Pacific and China-Burma-India during the closing years of the Second World War.
N-1M: the flying-wing laboratory
The N-1M first flew in 1940 and became Jack Northrop’s practical research platform for a tailless aircraft. Its adjustable wing sweep and dihedral allowed engineers to examine stability and control across different configurations.
The aircraft was small and underpowered, but it demonstrated that a flying wing could be controlled without a conventional tail. Lessons from the N-1M led to the N-9M scale demonstrators and eventually the XB-35 bomber.
N-9M and the path to a bomber
The N-9M was a roughly one-third-scale flying model of the planned XB-35. Four N-9M aircraft were built and used to investigate handling, control systems and pilot technique.
Testing was hazardous, and one prototype was lost in a fatal accident. Nevertheless, the programme provided essential data for Northrop’s full-size flying-wing bomber.
XB-35 and YB-49
The XB-35 was a vast propeller-driven flying-wing bomber conceived during the Second World War. Its all-wing form promised low drag, long range and a large internal volume, but complex contra-rotating propeller gearboxes caused persistent difficulties.
As jet propulsion became practical, Northrop converted the design into the YB-49. The jet flying wing offered impressive speed and a strikingly modern appearance, but it suffered from stability, control and programme-management challenges. The Air Force cancelled the programme.
The cancellation deeply affected Jack Northrop, who retired from aviation. Decades later, computer-controlled flight systems and stealth requirements would finally make the flying wing operationally compelling.
F-89 Scorpion
The F-89 Scorpion was a twin-engined all-weather interceptor developed for the defence of North America. It first flew in 1948 and became one of the early jet aircraft assigned to Air Defense Command.
Later versions carried rockets and guided missiles. The F-89J became the only aircraft to fire a live nuclear air-to-air rocket during testing.
N-156, T-38 and F-5
In the 1950s, Northrop developed the compact N-156 concept around lightweight structure, small General Electric J85 engines and straightforward maintenance. The United States Air Force selected the trainer version as the T-38 Talon.
The T-38 first flew in 1959 and became the first supersonic trainer to enter production. Generations of United States Air Force pilots trained on the type, and modernised T-38C aircraft remain active.
The fighter version became the F-5A Freedom Fighter. It was inexpensive, fast and practical for allied air forces that did not require the size and complexity of heavier American fighters. The improved F-5E Tiger II added more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity and improved avionics.
The F-5 family became one of Northrop’s most successful exports. Its size, performance and visual similarity to potential adversary aircraft also made it valuable for aggressor training.
YF-17 Cobra and the Hornet connection
Northrop developed the twin-engined YF-17 Cobra for the United States Air Force Lightweight Fighter competition. It lost to the General Dynamics YF-16, but the Navy saw potential in the design.
Northrop and McDonnell Douglas enlarged and extensively redesigned the concept into the F/A-18 Hornet. McDonnell Douglas became the prime contractor, while Northrop built major structural sections. The resulting aircraft therefore belongs primarily to the McDonnell Douglas and Boeing lineage, but its aerodynamic ancestry is unmistakably Northrop.
Grumman is founded
Leroy Grumman, Leon Swirbul, William Schwendler and several colleagues founded Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation on Long Island in December 1929. Many had previously worked for Loening and understood the specialised demands of naval aviation.
Grumman initially manufactured truck bodies and repaired aircraft components while pursuing Navy contracts. The company’s first original aircraft, the FF-1 fighter, incorporated retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit and strong performance for its time.
F3F and the “Grumman ironworks” reputation
The F2F and F3F biplane fighters established Grumman as a regular Navy supplier. Their sturdy construction, practical carrier features and distinctive fuselage shapes contributed to the company’s reputation as the “Grumman Iron Works.”
The nickname did not imply crude or excessively heavy design. It reflected confidence that Grumman aircraft would withstand the punishing environment of carrier service.
F4F Wildcat
The F4F Wildcat became the United States Navy’s principal carrier fighter during the early part of the Second World War. It was slower and less manoeuvrable than the Japanese Zero in some conditions, but it was rugged, well armed and capable of absorbing damage.
Improved tactics, including mutual support between aircraft, allowed Wildcat pilots to use the type effectively. General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft division later produced the FM versions in large numbers.
F6F Hellcat
Grumman developed the F6F Hellcat rapidly to provide greater performance, range and firepower. It first flew in 1942 and entered combat in 1943.
The Hellcat became one of the most successful carrier fighters in history. Powerful, forgiving and easy to land, it helped the United States Navy gain air superiority across the Pacific.
TBF Avenger
The TBF Avenger was a large carrier-based torpedo bomber with a three-person crew and internal weapons bay. It first flew in 1941.
Grumman transferred much of Avenger production to General Motors so that its own factories could focus on fighters. Avengers served in anti-submarine, strike and reconnaissance roles and remained useful after the war.
F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat
The twin-engined F7F Tigercat offered high speed and heavy armament but arrived too late for significant wartime carrier service. The compact F8F Bearcat was designed for rapid climb and excellent performance from smaller carriers.
Both types illustrated Grumman’s ability to create powerful piston fighters, even as jet propulsion was beginning to transform naval aviation.
F9F Panther and Cougar
The F9F Panther was Grumman’s first production jet fighter and one of the Navy’s most important aircraft during the Korean War. It had straight wings and dependable carrier handling.
The swept-wing Cougar developed the Panther into a faster aircraft suited to the changing aerodynamic requirements of the 1950s. Trainer versions of the Cougar remained in service for many years.
S-2 Tracker and E-1 Tracer
The S-2 Tracker was a carrier-capable anti-submarine aircraft carrying detection equipment and weapons in a single airframe. It replaced earlier systems in which separate aircraft searched for and attacked submarines.
The E-1 Tracer adapted the Tracker airframe for airborne early warning, adding a large radar radome above the fuselage. It became the direct operational predecessor of the E-2 Hawkeye.
A-6 Intruder and EA-6 Prowler
The A-6 Intruder was an all-weather carrier attack aircraft designed to deliver heavy ordnance accurately at low level and at night. Its side-by-side cockpit and rounded nose housed sophisticated navigation and attack systems.
The EA-6B Prowler stretched the Intruder airframe to carry a four-person crew and electronic-warfare equipment. It became a central United States capability for jamming enemy radar and communications.
E-2 Hawkeye
The E-2 Hawkeye was designed from the outset as a carrier-based airborne early-warning aircraft. Its rotating radar dome, high wing and four-fin tail make it instantly recognisable.
Successive E-2 versions expanded radar range, computing power, communications and battle-management capability. The current E-2D Advanced Hawkeye adds a modern radar, glass cockpit, improved mission systems and aerial-refuelling capability.
C-2 Greyhound
The C-2 Greyhound shares wings, engines and other major elements with the E-2 but replaces the radar mission system with a cargo fuselage and rear loading ramp. It was developed for carrier onboard delivery.
The C-2 carried personnel, mail, engines and priority cargo between shore bases and aircraft carriers. The United States Navy is replacing it with the CMV-22B Osprey.
F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat was developed after the cancellation of the Navy’s F-111B. It combined variable-sweep wings, powerful radar and long-range Phoenix missiles with strong manoeuvrability.
The Tomcat first flew in 1970 and became the Navy’s principal fleet-defence fighter. Later versions added improved engines, strike capability and reconnaissance equipment. The United States retired the type in 2006, while Iran has continued to operate surviving aircraft.
Corporate diversification and the Apollo Lunar Module
Grumman was more than a naval-aircraft company. It designed and built the Apollo Lunar Module, which landed astronauts on the Moon. The company also produced business aircraft whose lineage eventually became Gulfstream.
As defence markets changed, Grumman expanded into electronics and other systems. Northrop likewise broadened beyond aircraft, particularly through acquisitions in electronics and defence technology.
Tacit Blue and stealth research
The Northrop Tacit Blue demonstrator tested low-observable shaping and battlefield-surveillance concepts. Its rounded rectangular fuselage and unusual planform differed from both the faceted F-117 and the later B-2.
Tacit Blue helped validate curved stealth shaping and technologies relevant to later surveillance and bomber programmes. It forms an important conceptual bridge between early stealth experimentation and operational low-observable aircraft.
B-2 Spirit
Northrop led development of the Advanced Technology Bomber, which became the B-2 Spirit. The aircraft revived Jack Northrop’s flying-wing configuration using digital flight controls, modern materials, advanced aerodynamics and low-observable design.
The B-2 was publicly rolled out in November 1988 and first flew on 17 July 1989. Its broad, tailless shape provides long range, internal payload volume and a low radar signature.
Only 21 B-2 aircraft were built, including the flight-test aircraft later converted to operational standard. The B-2 has performed conventional and strategic deterrence missions and remains a central United States long-range strike platform pending the arrival of the B-21.
Jack Northrop’s idea finally realised: shortly before his death, Northrop was shown a classified model of the future B-2. The operational bomber demonstrated that flight-control computers and stealth requirements had made the flying wing practical at last.
Northrop and Grumman merge
Northrop acquired Grumman in 1994 after a competitive takeover process. The merged Northrop Grumman combined stealth-aircraft development, tactical fighters, naval aviation, surveillance platforms and extensive electronics expertise.
The corporation subsequently expanded through acquisitions including Westinghouse Electronic Systems, Logicon, Litton Industries and TRW. These transactions transformed it into a broad aerospace and defence company with major businesses in aircraft, mission systems, space and strategic deterrence.
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Ryan Aeronautical, later Teledyne Ryan, developed the high-altitude endurance unmanned aircraft that became the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Northrop Grumman acquired the company and continued development.
Global Hawk can remain airborne for very long missions while carrying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors. Its long wings and high-altitude operation give it a visual and operational character closer to a reconnaissance aircraft than to a small tactical drone.
MQ-4C Triton
The MQ-4C Triton adapts the Global Hawk concept for persistent maritime surveillance. It incorporates structural strengthening, anti-icing, lightning protection and a sensor suite designed to monitor wide ocean areas.
Triton works with crewed maritime patrol aircraft and other naval systems. Its endurance allows it to maintain broad-area surveillance while other platforms concentrate on detailed investigation and anti-submarine missions.
Fire Scout
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is an uncrewed helicopter system developed for reconnaissance and targeting from ships and austere sites. Early MQ-8B aircraft were based on the Schweizer 333, while the larger MQ-8C uses the Bell 407 airframe.
Although Fire Scout is part of Northrop Grumman’s autonomous-aircraft portfolio, this fixed-wing manufacturer page mentions it only briefly. A future Sikorsky or rotorcraft section is the better place for detailed helicopter coverage.
X-47B
The X-47B was an uncrewed combat-air-system demonstrator developed for the United States Navy. Its tailless flying-wing form combined Northrop’s historic aerodynamic theme with carrier suitability and autonomous control.
The aircraft completed carrier take-offs, arrested landings and autonomous aerial-refuelling demonstrations. It was not a production combat aircraft, but it proved technologies central to future carrier-based uncrewed aviation.
B-21 Raider
Northrop Grumman won the Long Range Strike Bomber contract in 2015. The resulting B-21 Raider was publicly unveiled on 2 December 2022 and began flight testing in November 2023.
The B-21 is a dual-capable penetrating strike aircraft intended to perform both conventional and nuclear missions. Its flying-wing planform visibly continues the Northrop tradition, while its internal systems, materials and manufacturing methods belong to a new generation.
The programme uses digital engineering and a test strategy that links development and production. The United States Air Force plans a minimum fleet of 100 aircraft, with Ellsworth Air Force Base designated as the first main operating base.
Northrop Grumman today
Northrop Grumman’s public aircraft portfolio includes the B-21 Raider, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, MQ-4C Triton, RQ-4 Global Hawk family, B-2 sustainment and modernisation, and major aircraft structures for other manufacturers.
The company reported year-end 2025 backlog of $95.7 billion. Aeronautics programmes remain closely connected with the company’s mission-systems, space and strategic-deterrence businesses.
Northrop Grumman aviation timeline
1929
Grumman founded
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation is established on Long Island.
1929
Avion Corporation
Jack Northrop creates the enterprise that develops his early all-metal aircraft.
1932
Northrop Alpha and Gamma era
Streamlined metal monoplanes establish the Northrop name.
1939
Northrop Aircraft Incorporated
Jack Northrop establishes the principal historic Northrop company at Hawthorne.
1940
N-1M first flight
The small research aircraft begins practical flying-wing development.
1941
Wildcat and Avenger enter war
Grumman carrier aircraft become central to early Pacific operations.
1942
P-61 and Hellcat first flights
Northrop and Grumman introduce two important wartime combat aircraft.
1946
XB-35 first flight
The full-scale propeller-driven flying-wing bomber reaches the air.
1947
YB-49 first flight
Jet propulsion transforms Northrop’s bomber into a futuristic test aircraft.
1959
T-38 first flight
The world’s first production supersonic trainer begins testing.
1960
A-6 Intruder first flight
Grumman’s all-weather carrier attack aircraft enters development.
1960
E-2 Hawkeye first flight
A purpose-built carrier airborne-early-warning family begins.
1970
F-14 Tomcat first flight
Grumman’s variable-sweep fleet-defence fighter takes to the air.
1974
YF-17 first flight
Northrop’s lightweight fighter becomes the ancestor of the F/A-18.
1982
Tacit Blue first flight
A secret demonstrator advances curved stealth shaping and surveillance concepts.
1989
B-2 first flight
The operational stealth flying wing flies on 17 July.
1994
Northrop Grumman formed
Northrop completes its acquisition of Grumman.
1998
Global Hawk first flight
High-altitude uncrewed reconnaissance enters a new era.
2011
X-47B first flight
The carrier-capable uncrewed flying-wing demonstrator begins testing.
2015
B-21 contract awarded
Northrop Grumman is selected to build the next United States strategic bomber.
2022
B-21 publicly unveiled
The Raider is presented at Palmdale on 2 December.
2023
B-21 begins flight testing
The first Raider flies to Edwards Air Force Base in November.
2025
Second B-21 test aircraft arrives
The expanded test fleet supports faster mission-system and weapons integration.
The evolution of the Northrop flying wing
The flying wing is the clearest visual thread in Northrop’s history. Removing the conventional fuselage and tail can reduce wetted area and drag, while distributing payload and fuel across the wing. It also creates difficult stability, control and structural problems.
N-1M
A small adjustable research aircraft that demonstrated practical tailless flight.
A small adjustable research aircraft that demonstrated practical tailless flight.
N-9M
A piloted scale demonstrator used to prepare for the full-size bomber.
A piloted scale demonstrator used to prepare for the full-size bomber.
XB-35
A giant piston-powered bomber whose complex propeller system limited success.
A giant piston-powered bomber whose complex propeller system limited success.
YB-49
Jet engines gave the flying wing greater speed but did not solve every control and mission problem.
Jet engines gave the flying wing greater speed but did not solve every control and mission problem.
Tacit Blue
A stealth-surveillance demonstrator that advanced low-observable curved shaping.
A stealth-surveillance demonstrator that advanced low-observable curved shaping.
B-2 Spirit
Digital flight controls, advanced materials and stealth made the flying wing operational.
Digital flight controls, advanced materials and stealth made the flying wing operational.
X-47B
An autonomous carrier demonstrator applied the tailless concept to naval uncrewed aviation.
An autonomous carrier demonstrator applied the tailless concept to naval uncrewed aviation.
B-21 Raider
The latest penetrating bomber continues the configuration using modern digital engineering and open systems.
The latest penetrating bomber continues the configuration using modern digital engineering and open systems.
Aerodynamic efficiency
A carefully designed all-wing aircraft can minimise drag-producing surfaces and carry fuel efficiently over long distances.
Low observability
The absence of vertical tails and the ability to align edges help reduce radar reflections.
Stability challenge
Without a conventional tail, control requires specialised aerodynamic devices and, in modern aircraft, continuous computer assistance.
Internal volume
A broad wing can contain fuel, landing gear, sensors and weapons, although cabin pressurisation and structural depth require careful design.
Northrop aircraft families
N-3PB
A rare wartime floatplane built for Norwegian forces and operated from Iceland.
First flight: 1940
Explore the N-3PB →P-61 Black Widow
A large twin-boom fighter designed around airborne-interception radar.
First flight: 1942
Explore the P-61 →F-89 Scorpion
A twin-engined Cold War interceptor built for continental air defence.
First flight: 1948
Explore the F-89 →T-38 Talon
A compact twin-engined trainer that has prepared generations of military pilots and astronauts.
First flight: 1959
Status: active and modernised
Explore the T-38 →Status: active and modernised
F-5 Freedom Fighter / Tiger II
A simple, agile and widely exported fighter family developed from the N-156 concept.
First flight: 1959
Status: active with several operators
Explore the F-5 →Status: active with several operators
YF-17 Cobra
The twin-engined contender whose design became the foundation of the F/A-18 Hornet.
First flight: 1974
Explore the YF-17 →B-2 Spirit
An operational flying wing combining long range, internal payload and low observability.
First flight: 1989
Status: active and supported
Explore the B-2 →Status: active and supported
Grumman aircraft families
F3F
The final American carrier biplane fighter and an early symbol of Grumman durability.
First flight: 1935
Explore the F3F →F4F Wildcat
A rugged early-war fighter used by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Fleet Air Arm.
First flight: 1937
Explore the Wildcat →F6F Hellcat
A powerful and forgiving carrier fighter that achieved exceptional combat success.
First flight: 1942
Explore the Hellcat →TBF Avenger
A large three-seat strike aircraft with an internal weapons bay and long post-war career.
First flight: 1941
Explore the Avenger →F9F Panther / Cougar
Straight- and swept-wing jet families that carried Grumman into the naval jet age.
Panther first flight: 1947
Explore the F9F family →A-6 Intruder
A carrier strike aircraft built around accurate low-level attack in darkness and poor weather.
First flight: 1960
Explore the A-6 →EA-6B Prowler
A four-seat electronic-attack aircraft developed from the Intruder.
First flight: 1968
Explore the Prowler →F-14 Tomcat
A variable-sweep interceptor and strike fighter with long-range radar and Phoenix missiles.
First flight: 1970
Explore the F-14 →E-2 Hawkeye family
A purpose-built carrier radar aircraft that evolved from the E-2A to the current E-2D.
First flight: 1960
Status: current production and modernisation
Explore the E-2 →Status: current production and modernisation
C-2 Greyhound
A cargo derivative of the E-2 family designed for carrier onboard delivery.
First flight: 1964
Explore the C-2 →Uncrewed and autonomous aircraft
RQ-4 Global Hawk
A long-endurance uncrewed aircraft designed to carry surveillance sensors at high altitude over intercontinental missions.
First flight: 1998
Explore Global Hawk →MQ-4C Triton
A naval high-altitude system adapted for persistent broad-area maritime surveillance.
First flight: 2013
Current production and deployment
Explore Triton →Current production and deployment
X-47B
A tailless uncrewed aircraft that demonstrated autonomous carrier launch, recovery and aerial refuelling.
First flight: 2011
Explore the X-47B →Model 437 Vanguard
A crewed test aircraft associated with digital engineering and autonomous collaborative-aircraft development.
First flight: 2024
Explore Model 437 →Current public aircraft programmes
B-21 Raider
The future long-range strike aircraft of the United States Air Force, now progressing through flight test and low-rate production.
Flight testing began: 2023
Current development and production
Explore the B-21 →Current development and production
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The current Hawkeye combines an advanced radar, integrated mission systems, modern cockpit and aerial-refuelling capability.
Primary operator: United States Navy
Current production and modernisation
Explore the E-2D →Current production and modernisation
MQ-4C Triton
A high-altitude uncrewed system providing broad ocean surveillance to naval forces.
Operator: United States Navy and partners
Current production and deployment
Explore Triton →Current production and deployment
B-2 Spirit
Northrop Grumman supports and modernises the existing B-2 fleet while the Raider enters service.
Status: active fleet support
Explore the B-2 →Global Hawk derivatives
Northrop Grumman supports high-altitude ISR aircraft used by the United States, NATO and other operators.
Status: active support and mission development
Explore Global Hawk →Corporate lineages united in Northrop Grumman
Avion Corporation / early Northrop
Jack Northrop’s 1929 enterprise and the beginning of the Alpha and Gamma lineage.
Jack Northrop’s 1929 enterprise and the beginning of the Alpha and Gamma lineage.
Northrop Aircraft Incorporated
Founded in 1939 and responsible for the P-61, flying wings, F-5, T-38 and B-2.
Founded in 1939 and responsible for the P-61, flying wings, F-5, T-38 and B-2.
Grumman Aircraft Engineering
Founded in 1929 and responsible for carrier fighters, attack aircraft, Hawkeye and the Lunar Module.
Founded in 1929 and responsible for carrier fighters, attack aircraft, Hawkeye and the Lunar Module.
Northrop Grumman
Created in 1994 when Northrop acquired Grumman.
Created in 1994 when Northrop acquired Grumman.
Ryan Aeronautical / Teledyne Ryan
Drone and high-altitude autonomous-aircraft heritage, including the Global Hawk programme.
Drone and high-altitude autonomous-aircraft heritage, including the Global Hawk programme.
Westinghouse Electronic Systems
Radar and mission-system expertise acquired in 1996.
Radar and mission-system expertise acquired in 1996.
Litton Industries
Navigation, electronics and shipbuilding capabilities acquired in 2001.
Navigation, electronics and shipbuilding capabilities acquired in 2001.
TRW
Space, systems engineering and missile-warning heritage acquired in 2002.
Space, systems engineering and missile-warning heritage acquired in 2002.
How the principal aircraft families connect
N-1M → N-9M → XB-35 → YB-49
The experimental and bomber flying-wing sequence developed under Jack Northrop.
The experimental and bomber flying-wing sequence developed under Jack Northrop.
YB-49 concepts + modern controls and stealth → B-2
Technology finally caught up with the all-wing vision.
Technology finally caught up with the all-wing vision.
B-2 experience → B-21 Raider
The new bomber continues the penetrating flying-wing tradition with modern systems and production methods.
The new bomber continues the penetrating flying-wing tradition with modern systems and production methods.
N-156T → T-38
The trainer branch became the first production supersonic trainer.
The trainer branch became the first production supersonic trainer.
N-156F → F-5A/B → F-5E/F
The lightweight fighter evolved into the widely exported Tiger II.
The lightweight fighter evolved into the widely exported Tiger II.
YF-17 → F/A-18 Hornet
Northrop’s lightweight-fighter concept became a McDonnell Douglas-led naval programme.
Northrop’s lightweight-fighter concept became a McDonnell Douglas-led naval programme.
F4F Wildcat → F6F Hellcat
Grumman’s wartime carrier-fighter development moved toward greater power and performance.
Grumman’s wartime carrier-fighter development moved toward greater power and performance.
F9F Panther → F9F Cougar
A straight-wing naval jet developed into a swept-wing family.
A straight-wing naval jet developed into a swept-wing family.
S-2 Tracker → E-1 Tracer → E-2 Hawkeye
Carrier anti-submarine and radar-aircraft experience led to a purpose-built airborne command platform.
Carrier anti-submarine and radar-aircraft experience led to a purpose-built airborne command platform.
E-2 Hawkeye → C-2 Greyhound
Major airframe components were adapted for carrier logistics.
Major airframe components were adapted for carrier logistics.
A-6 Intruder → EA-6B Prowler
The attack aircraft became a specialised electronic-warfare platform.
The attack aircraft became a specialised electronic-warfare platform.
Global Hawk → MQ-4C Triton
A high-altitude land-surveillance platform was adapted for persistent maritime operations.
A high-altitude land-surveillance platform was adapted for persistent maritime operations.
Northrop Grumman aircraft detected by howmany.travel
Northrop and Grumman aircraft may appear as military trainers, fighters, surveillance aircraft, carrier-support platforms, uncrewed systems or historic civil aircraft. Many operational military aircraft limit or suppress public tracking data.
Search an aircraft: use the aircraft search to find a Northrop or Grumman aircraft by registration, ICAO address or another available identifier.
Northrop Grumman aircraft models
Each model name links to the corresponding howmany.travel family page. Historical programmes are separated from aircraft that remain operational, supported, in production or in active development. No production-list links are included.
Historical aircraft and demonstrators
| Model | General category | Delivered | Active fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northrop Alpha and Gamma family | Early all-metal civil and record aircraft | Several dozen across principal variants | Preserved aircraft only |
| Northrop N-3PB | Patrol floatplane | 24 | One preserved aircraft |
| Northrop P-61 Black Widow | Radar-equipped night fighter | 706 | Preserved aircraft only |
| Northrop F-89 Scorpion | All-weather interceptor | 1,050 | Preserved aircraft only |
| Northrop YF-17 Cobra | Lightweight fighter demonstrator | 2 prototypes | Preserved aircraft only |
| Northrop N-1M and N-9M | Early flying-wing research aircraft | 5 research aircraft | Preserved aircraft only |
| Northrop XB-35 and YB-49 | Flying-wing bomber prototypes | 15 prototypes and development airframes | None; surviving components and replicas only |
| Grumman F3F | Carrier biplane fighter | 147 | Very small heritage and replica fleet |
| Grumman F4F Wildcat | Wartime carrier fighter | 7,885 including General Motors FM variants | Small but active warbird and museum fleet |
| Grumman F6F Hellcat | Pacific carrier fighter | 12,275 | Small active warbird and museum fleet |
| Grumman TBF / General Motors TBM Avenger | Carrier torpedo bomber | 9,839 | Substantial museum and flying-warbird fleet |
| Grumman F9F Panther and Cougar | Early naval jet-fighter family | 3,392 | Preserved aircraft and a very small historic fleet |
| Grumman A-6 Intruder | All-weather carrier attack aircraft | 693 | Preserved aircraft only |
| Grumman EA-6B Prowler | Carrier electronic-warfare aircraft | 170 | Preserved aircraft only |
| Grumman F-14 Tomcat | Variable-sweep carrier fighter | 712 | Limited Iranian military fleet and preserved aircraft |
| Grumman C-2 Greyhound | Carrier onboard delivery aircraft | 58 | Small declining United States Navy fleet |
| Northrop Grumman X-47B | Carrier-capable uncrewed demonstrator | 2 demonstrators | Preserved and research aircraft only |
Modern and current aircraft
| Model | General category | Delivered | Active fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northrop T-38 Talon | Supersonic trainer | 1,187 | Large but declining United States military and test fleet |
| Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and Tiger II | Lightweight fighter family | 2,600+ | Large international military, aggressor and contractor fleet |
| E-2 Hawkeye family | Carrier airborne early-warning family | 300+ across all generations | Large United States and international military fleet |
| Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye | Current carrier airborne command-and-control aircraft | Included within the E-2 family total | Growing United States Navy and export fleet |
| Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit | Stealth strategic bomber | 21 | 19-aircraft United States Air Force fleet |
| Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk family | High-altitude long-endurance ISR aircraft | 45+ across principal RQ-4 variants | Active United States, NATO and international fleet |
| Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton | High-altitude maritime-surveillance aircraft | Limited series production under way | Growing United States Navy and Australian fleet |
| Northrop Grumman Model 437 Vanguard | Crewed autonomous-systems test aircraft | 1 demonstrator | Active flight-test programme |
| Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider | Next-generation penetrating bomber | 0 operational deliveries | Flight-test and low-rate production aircraft |
Approximate totals combine related variants where one continuously updated family figure is not published. The E-2D is included within the broader E-2 production total and is not counted twice.
Explore the outside world
Northrop GrummanOfficial company, technology and programme information.Visit Northrop Grumman ↗
Company heritageNorthrop, Grumman and other legacy-company histories.Explore the heritage ↗
Aircraft portfolioCurrent crewed and autonomous aircraft programmes.Explore aircraft ↗
B-21 RaiderOfficial information about the future long-range strike bomber.Explore the B-21 ↗
E-2D Advanced HawkeyeCarrier command-and-control and radar-aircraft information.Explore the E-2D ↗
MQ-4C TritonPersistent high-altitude maritime-surveillance capability.Explore Triton ↗
B-2 SpiritStealth-bomber programme and sustainment information.Explore the B-2 ↗
Naval aviation legacyGrumman aircraft and the company’s long relationship with carrier aviation.Explore naval history ↗
Editorial notes
- This portal focuses on the fixed-wing aircraft lineages of Northrop, Grumman, Ryan/Teledyne Ryan and Northrop Grumman.
- The F/A-18 is discussed as a descendant of Northrop’s YF-17, but detailed Hornet coverage belongs primarily under McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.
- The MQ-8 Fire Scout is acknowledged but reserved for more detailed treatment in a rotorcraft or autonomous-helicopter portal.
- The B-2 first flew on 17 July 1989. The B-21 was unveiled in December 2022 and began flight testing in November 2023.
- Current public aircraft programmes include B-21 development and production, E-2D production and modernisation, MQ-4C Triton production and deployment, and B-2 sustainment.
- Northrop Grumman reported total backlog of $95.7 billion at 31 December 2025.
- howmany.travel is independent of Northrop Grumman Corporation.