MQ-8B Fire Scout Demonstrates Multi-Mode Maritime Radar Capability

Released on Tuesday, September 23, 2008

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has demonstrated radar capability on its company-owned MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Air System (VUAS) designated as "P6." The flight demonstrated Fire Scout's ability to search for, detect, and track multiple targets during a test surveillance mission. The demonstration was part of an on-going effort to expand upon the development capabilities of the MQ-8B Fire Scout. The flight took place on Sept. 19 at the Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. test center.

"Demonstrating a maritime radar capability on Fire Scout has been one of our most important goals. Fire Scout with radar is an invaluable tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform for all air capable surface ships supporting littoral and blue water missions," said Doug Fronius, tactical unmanned systems director for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector.

The demonstration took place using a non-developmental Telephonics RDR-1700B search, surveillance, tracking and imaging radar system. The flight was the first of several radar demonstrations that will include an over-water search trial.

Fire Scout's adaptable open architecture -- designed, tested and integrated in the laboratories of Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Systems Development Center in San Diego -- proved successful as P6 conducted its first operational test flight in August. Fire Scout demonstrations will continue with a variety of payloads such as a second electro-optical/infrared payload and various U.S. Army payloads. The flights are commanded from a Tactical Control Station (TCS) with software produced by Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems in Falls Church, Va.

Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout will provide unprecedented situational awareness and precision targeting support for future U.S. armed forces. Fire Scout can find tactical targets, track and designate targets, accurately provide targeting data to strike platforms and perform battle damage assessment. With vehicle endurance greater than eight hours, Fire Scout will be capable of continuous operations providing coverage 110 nautical miles from any launch site.