Fire Scout is a combat-proven, autonomous helicopter system providing real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Target-acquisition, laser designation, and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets.
Designed in San Diego, California and Fort Worth, Texas by a joint Northrop Grumman/Bell team and manufactured in Ozark, Alabama and Moss Point, Mississippi, the MQ-8C achieved initial operational capability in June 2019 and will begin replacing the MQ-8B variant in the upcoming deployments.
Northrop Grumman remains on the hunt for the first international sale of its MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned maritime patrol helicopter, roughly two and a half years after the aircraft reached initial operational capability with the US Navy (USN).
The company declines to name potential customers, but says that the unmanned air vehicle (UAV) “is of interest to several nations”.
The Asia-Pacific – home to the world’s two largest navies, the Chinese navy and the USN, as well as the world’s largest ocean and more than half of the world’s population – seems a likely place for the Fire Scout to land its first international sale.
Northrop believes the maritime patrol helicopter’s anti-surface warfare capabilities make it particularly appealing to operators in the region. The UAV carries a Leonardo ZPY-8 Osprey lightweight active electronically scanned array radar that has a range of digital modes including weather detection and ground-moving target indication.
Northrop is also working to incorporate A- and G-sized sonobuoy deployment pods to the helicopter, which would give the UAV greater anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
“Both manned and unmanned [anti-submarine warfare] is a growing need around the world as threats to maritime security increase,” says Lance Eischeid, director of the Fire Scout program with Northrop.
The UAV is based on the commercial Bell 407 airframe with its seats and the avionics supporting manned operation stripped out and replaced with a remote control system and extra fuel tanks. The aircraft has a flight endurance of 12h, a maximum payload of 318kg (700lb), and a range of 150nm (278km).
Northrop is incrementally upgrading the capabilities of the MQ-8C, allowing the helicopter to take on more missions for the USN, including airborne sea mine countermeasures and cargo flights. The company says it has also tested the Fire Scout with an undisclosed offensive weapon, although the USN does not currently have a requirement for that type of payload.
Sensitron has over 35 years of experience supplying products to the aerospace markets, supplying lightweight, hi density and high reliability solutions for rectification, motion control, transient protection and power distribution.
More Pop, Less SWaP
The Eclipse boasts numerous zoom lens options up to 272mm, and multiple sensor resolutions available from Full‑HD up to 8MP 4K.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is a space-based radio navigation capable of providing navigation data to users on or near the surface of the Earth any-time, any-where and under any-weather conditions.
Composites not only play an important role in electrical engineering.
The Integrated System Display (ISD) serves as a Human Machine Interface for subsystems in the train and enables the operator to visualise the status of the subsystems.
Renown Desert Aircraft piston engines combined with the leading edge fuel injection system by INFInject provide amazing reliability in all conditions and deficient fuel consumption.
It is critical that pipes, ducts, and other components utilized in high-temperature environments receive proper thermal insulation.
The MEVA Armoured Specialist Vehicle (ASV) is a pick-up style armoured personnel carrier (APC), offered in Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) and Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) versions.
Military / Professional Shock Mitigating Solutions.
FIFISH P3 is one of the best underwater drones intended for exploration of reservoirs. The Terra Hexen company is a Partner of the QYSEA company and exclusive distributor of this device in Central Europe.
Aviation Parts and Services Ltd specializes in the supply and management of rotatable components and consumables for the commercial aviation market, with a particular focus and expertise in the support of Boeing and Airbus fleets.
Allsalt Maritime is a design, manufacturing, and R&D firm specializing in marine shock mitigation technology whose mission is to create products that give our customers more days on the water.
TopCSSGallery is a unique Web Design Portfolio global platform for showcasing and awarding the top websites.
Shadin Avionics is a leader in the design and manufacturing of aircraft fuel management an engine monitoring products, data converters, and avionics interface systems for commercial, business, defense, special mission, unmanned, and general aviation.
We offer a unique set of multi-sensory solutions that can work on nearly every device, with an almost unlimited number of peripheral plug-ins to offer experiences that work for everyone, every device, every ability, everywhere.
We provide comprehensive component manufacturing services in-house as well as through our group of tightly controlled secondary service partners.
Since 1995 Globalair.com is the oldest aviation resource on the Internet. We offer services like aircraft for sale, the US FAA Airport database with local weather and FBO fuel prices, Aviation Buyers guide, Aviation events, and the latest news.
Our company, which carries out all heat treatment operations under one roof.
More than 30 years of international experience in the areas of sales, marketing, communication, modern brand management and business development.
Menatek is the leading high-tech manufacturer and the largest supply chain manager of Türkiye and the MENA Region on heavy to light military vehicles, all types of tactical & combat platforms and its wide range of strategic suppliers.
Realtime Technologies Ltd is an electronics contract manufacturer and refurbishment company that we focus on in the Space, Aerospace, Automotive, and Defence industries.
A.M. Designs Pvt. Ltd. is an AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 certified company with a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing solutions for metallic components and assemblies for Aviation, Space, Defence, and Telecom industries.
Log in with Google