Northrop Grumman increases Fire Scout's imaging and search capabilities

Northrop Grumman Corp. and the U.S. Navy demonstrated a new multimode maritime surveillance radar on the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter that will drastically enhance long-range imaging and search capabilities for Navy commanders.

Warfighters will now have the latest in radar technology to pair with their current electro-optical infrared payload. Integrating this new radar system will provide the MQ-8B Fire Scout with essential operational capabilities in all tactical environments and will improve how it addresses threats in real-world scenarios.

"This modernized radar complements Fire Scout's other sensors and systems to provide the Navy with increased visibility far beyond the horizon," said George Vardoulakis, vice president, medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

Northrop Grumman modified a Telephonics Corp. AN/ZPY-4 multi-mode maritime surveillance radar system used for manned aircraft, so it could be used on the unmanned MQ-8B Fire Scout.

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