Jay Clemens
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have demonstrated the MQ-8C Fire Scout system during a flight test from a guided-missile destroyer off the Virginia coast.
The Fire Scout system took its first flight off the USS Jason Dunham destroyer, controlled from the sip’s ground control station, Northrop said Tuesday.
“These dynamic interface tests are an essential part in clearing the operational envelope of the system and are proving the system’s ability to operate off any air-capable ship,” said George Vardoulakis, vice president for medium range tactical systems at Northrop.
“We are on track to validate all of the critical performance parameters of this Navy asset and ready the system for deployment and operational use,†Vardoulakis added.
Capt. Jeff Dodge, Fire Scout program manager at Naval Air Systems Command, added the Fire Scout’s expanded systems are designed to help ship commanders and pilots extend their on-station presence.
The system underwent land-based testing at Point Mugu, California for more than a year before it developed its sea legs.
