Northrop to build more MQ-8Cs
Northrop Grumman will build ten more MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters for the US Navy, the company announced on 29 September. This will take the total number of MQ-8C Fire Scout aircraft procured by the US Navy to 29.
According to Capt Jeff Dodge, program manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command, the MQ-8C programme is meeting all its performance objectives and is moving toward operational testing and deployment as a part of surface warfare mission packages.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout airframe is based on the Bell 407 single-engine utility helicopter. The system is designed to extend the range and endurance of naval operations, giving commanders persistent, real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Leslie Smith, vice president, tactical autonomous systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: 'In partnership with the US Navy, we are dedicated to fielding this state-of-the-art, ship-based ISR platform as part of a strategy that provides warfighters ISR. We are pleased to support the navy with additional MQ-8C Fire Scouts with maritime dominance support through this procurement. Our team will strive to exceed expectations in affordability, quality and on-time delivery.'
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.