US Navy Gets First MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter
Northrop Grumman has delivered the first operational MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy.
The system will be used by ship-based commanders to improve the Navy's intelligence-gathering capabilities.
The MQ-8C is an upgraded version of the existing MQ-8B Fire Scout using a larger airframe. It can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads.
"The test program will run through the summer as we expect these aircraft to be ready for operations by year's end," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for medium range tactical systems with Northrop Grumman.
The MQ-8C's first ship-board flight tests aboard the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) will be conducted this winter. The Navy will then assess the system for operational use.
Northrop Grumman is under contract to build 19 MQ-8C Fire Scouts, including two test aircraft. The Navy plans to purchase 70 aircraft total.
Israeli Air Force Develops Performance Tracking System for Heron and Hermes UAVs
General Dynamics Wins Canadian Contracts For Enhanced UAV Surveillance, Global Mercury Anchor...
UAVs Tested With New Artificial Intelligence Chip
Insitu Unveils Next-Generation ScanEagle UAV At Euronaval 2014
BAE Systems Begins Construction of New M777 Howitzer Production Facility
Latvia to Receive Additional Patria 6x6 Armored Command and Control Vehicles
China Opens $3.5B Port in Peru, Expanding Maritime Silk Road to South...
South Korean K2 Tanks Deployed Near Poland's Border with Russia
Russian Su-57 and Chinese J-20 as Alternatives to the American F-35 Stealth Fighter
As the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet enters serial production, the debate over how it stacks up against the American...
NATO’s Intensified Exercises a Prep to Attack Russia?
Recent NATO exercises such as the BALTOPS-24, Steadfast Defender 2024 and its first-ever Basic Fighter Maneuvers exercise have been its...
Precision in the Skies: The Evolution of Loitering Munitions
Loitering munitions - drones that hover over a target and blow up near it - have become the weapon of...
Is the Patriot Air Defense System Outdated?
After Israel revealed its decision to decommission its U
Russia's Growing Influence in Africa: Arms Sales and Military Bases
Russia's expanding influence in Africa, demonstrated by arms sales, military deployments, and diplomatic engagements, reflects a significant geopolitical shift on...