This website uses cookies to manage authentication, navigation, and other functions. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.

Read More

Northrop Grumman Delivers Additional MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV to the U.S. Navy

Posted On
a
Naval Defense Industry News - USA
 
 
 
Northrop Grumman Delivers Additional MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV to the U.S. Navy
 
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered the second MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy after completing final assembly at the company's unmanned systems center in Moss Point, Miss. The aircraft is joining the first one delivered to Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., to conduct flight testing before using the system for operational missions in 2014.
     
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered the second MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy after completing final assembly at the company's unmanned systems center in Moss Point, Miss. The aircraft is joining the first one delivered to Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., to conduct flight testing before using the system for operational missions in 2014.
The Northrop Grumman-built MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter completed its first flight Oct. 31 from Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif. The flight validated the autonomous control systems of the aircraft. The MQ-8C provides the U.S Navy with increased endurance, range, and payload capacity. (Photos by Alan Radecki)
     
"Since 2006 we have conducted final assembly of the earlier MQ-8B Fire Scout aircraft from our Moss Point facility, so we have a lot of manufacturing experience there," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman. "With the MQ-8C variant being assembled there as well, we can use the same expertise and quality processes already developed."

The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the Navy's newest unmanned helicopter that can fly twice as long and carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads than the existing variant.
     
The Northrop Grumman-built MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter completed its first flight Oct. 31
(Video: Northrop Grumman)
     
To prepare the second MQ-8C Fire Scout for flight operations, a series of ground and flight tests will occur to validate payload integration and that communications between the ground control system and the aircraft are working properly.

Including the two test aircraft, 14 new Fire Scouts are currently under contract to be built. The Navy's current plan is to purchase 30 MQ-8C Fire Scouts.