SandboxAQ Tests Magnetic Navigation on Northrop Grumman Lumberjack Drone

September 09, 2026
SandboxAQ completed a flight test of its AQNav magnetic navigation system on Northrop Grumman's Lumberjack unmanned aircraft.

SandboxAQ said in a press release that it completed a flight test of its AQNav magnetic navigation system on Northrop Grumman's Lumberjack Group 3 unmanned aircraft system. The companies described it as the first reported magnetic navigation test on an attritable aircraft and the first reported pairing of magnetic and visual navigation on an attritable one way attack platform.

AQNav provides positioning without satellites or external signals, including in areas where GPS is unavailable. Its software processes sensor data using physics based models and can work alongside inertial, visual, and satellite navigation systems.

SandboxAQ installed AQNav on Lumberjack's existing onboard computers in less than an hour. Northrop Grumman served as the mission systems integrator, while ESAero provided the aircraft and systems integration. The release gives no accuracy figures, no number of flights and no programme or customer.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Robotics Brief, Defense AI Brief or Daily AI Brief.

Also, consider following us on social media:

AI & Robotics Defense AI Brief AI Brief AI Brief (X)

More from: Robotics

09/09
Beep Raises Series B for Autonomous Transit Services
09/09
Protocol Infrastructure Launches Robot Fleet Framework for Commercial Buildings
09/09
Nauticus Robotics Releases ToolKITT Software for ROV Fleets
09/09
Hyper3D Launches WorldGen for Editable 3D Scenes
09/09
DFI Introduces Mini-ITX Platform for Robotics AI

More from: Defense

09/09
Knox Systems Launches IL5 Environment for Defense AI and Software
09/09
Aitech Introduces Rugged AI Boards for Defense Systems
09/08
CAE and WB Electronics Plan Unmanned Systems Training
09/04
Seasats Books $24 Million in USV Orders in One Month
09/03
Havoc and Rune Integrate Autonomous Aircraft With TyrOS

Subscribe to Defense AI Brief

Your weekly intelligence briefing on the technology shaping modern warfare and national security.

AI Token Webinar

Market report

2025 Generative AI in Professional Services Report

Thomson Reuters

This report by Thomson Reuters explores the integration and impact of generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, within the professional services sector. It highlights the growing adoption of GenAI tools across industries like legal, tax, accounting, and government, and discusses the challenges and opportunities these technologies present. The report also examines professionals' perceptions of GenAI and the need for strategic integration to maximize its value.

Read more

You May Also Like