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World
Navy Force News - USA |
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Navy to Arm Northrop Grumman-Built Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter |
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Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has started work outfitting the U.S.
Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter with a weapons system. The
Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided 70mm rocket -- in
production for the Navy since 2010 -- will allow ship commanders to
identify and engage hostile targets without calling in other aircraft
for support.
"By arming Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can locate
and prosecute targets of interest," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop
Grumman's vice president for tactical unmanned systems. "This capability
shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to put our soldiers in
harm's way."
Northrop will develop and deliver the equipment needed to control the
weapons system under a $17 million contract awarded to the company Sept.
23 by Naval Air Systems Command. Final delivery of an operational system
is expected by March 2013. |
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Northrop Grumman Fire Scout VTOL UAV during sea trials with US Navy
(picture: Northrop Grumman)
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Once delivered, Fire Scout will be Navy's first sea-based
unmanned system to carry weapons. Its ability to operate at low ground
speeds makes it particularly well suited for supporting littoral missions
such as drug interdiction, antipiracy actions, search and rescue, reconnaissance
and port security.
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety
of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads
provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high levels of situational
awareness and precision targeting support.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative
systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information
systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers
worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.
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