SAN DIEGO, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered the first operational
MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy. The system
will be used by ship-based commanders to improve the Navy's
intelligence-gathering capabilities.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=29441.
The MQ-8C is an upgraded version of the existing MQ-8B Fire
Scout using a larger airframe. It can fly nearly twice as long and
carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance payloads.
"The test program will run through the summer as we expect these
aircraft to be ready for operations by year's end," said
George Vardoulakis, vice president
for medium range tactical systems with Northrop Grumman.
The MQ-8C's first ship-board flight tests aboard the USS Jason
Dunham (DDG 109) will be conducted this winter. The Navy will then
assess the system for operational use.
Northrop Grumman is under contract to build 19 MQ-8C Fire
Scouts, including two test aircraft. The Navy plans to purchase 70
aircraft total.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation