Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Showcase Radar System for Unmanned Helicopter

Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman

 

By Priya Potapragada



Northrop Grumman Corp. and the U.S. Navy held a demonstration at Webster Field Annex, Md., for a maritime surveillance radar on the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter that will significantly improve imagery for long ranges and search capabilities for Navy commanders.



Fire Scouts will be integrated with the radar technology along with its electro-optical infrared payload.



"Fire Scout is pushing the limits of unmanned helicopters by continuing to add enhanced capabilities to its already advanced payload," says George Vardoulakis, vice president, medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "This modernized radar complements Fire Scout's other sensors and systems to provide the Navy with increased visibility far beyond the horizon, while collecting vital imaging for maritime operations."



For the MQ-8B Fire Scout, Northrop Grumman altered a Telephonics Corp. AN/ZPY-4 multi-mode maritime surveillance radar system normally used for a manned vehicle, so they could adapt it to the unmanned helicopters.