Thu, Nov 10, 2011
Will Allow Independent Engagement Of 'Hostile Targets'
A program to outfit the U.S. Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned
helicopter with a weapons system is being undertaken by Northrop
Grumman. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided
70mm rocket, in production for the Navy since 2010, will allow ship
commanders to identify and engage hostile targets without calling
in other aircraft for support.
"By arming Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can
locate and prosecute targets of interest," said George Vardoulakis,
Northrop Grumman's vice president for tactical unmanned systems.
"This capability shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to
put our soldiers in harm's way."
Northrop will develop and deliver the equipment needed to
control the weapons system under a $17 million contract awarded to
the company Sept. 23 by Naval Air Systems Command. Final delivery
of an operational system is expected by March 2013.
Once delivered, Fire Scout will be Navy's first sea-based
unmanned system to carry weapons. Its ability to operate at low
ground speeds makes it particularly well suited for supporting
littoral missions such as drug interdiction, antipiracy actions,
search and rescue, reconnaissance and port security.
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a
variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads.
These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high
levels of situational awareness and precision targeting
support.
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