Northrop to build additional MQ-8C Fire Scouts for US Navy
To bolster the US Navy's real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Northrop Grumman is set to build 10 more MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters for it.
Caption: MQ-8C Fire Scout.
SAN DIEGO (BNS): To bolster the US Navy's real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Northrop Grumman is set to build 10 more MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters for it.
The additional build will bring the total number of MQ-8C Fire Scout air vehicles procured to 29, extending the range and endurance of naval operations, the company said.
"MQ-8C is meeting all of its performance objectives, and the system is delivering a greater naval warfighting capability," said Capt. Jeff Dodge, programme manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command.
"We are looking forward to moving the MQ-8C operational testing and deployment as a part of surface warfare mission packages," the official added.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout airframe is based on the reliable commercial Bell 407 helicopter.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout has completed operational assessment, a developmental flight test programme and is now preparing for Milestone C, Northrop said.
The additional build will bring the total number of MQ-8C Fire Scout air vehicles procured to 29, extending the range and endurance of naval operations, the company said.
"MQ-8C is meeting all of its performance objectives, and the system is delivering a greater naval warfighting capability," said Capt. Jeff Dodge, programme manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command.
"We are looking forward to moving the MQ-8C operational testing and deployment as a part of surface warfare mission packages," the official added.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout airframe is based on the reliable commercial Bell 407 helicopter.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout has completed operational assessment, a developmental flight test programme and is now preparing for Milestone C, Northrop said.
