Northrop Grumman to build additional MQ-8C Fire Scouts
Northrop Grumman Corporation is set to build 10 additional MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters for the U. S. Navy, giving maritime commanders persistent, real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The additional build will bring the total number of MQ-8C Fire Scout air vehicles procured to 29, extending the range and endurance of naval operations.
“MQ-8C is meeting all of its performance objectives, and the system is delivering a greater naval warfighting capability,” said program manager Jeff Dodge.
“We are looking forward to moving the MQ-8C operational testing and deployment as a part of surface warfare mission packages.”
The MQ-8C Fire Scout airframe is based on the reliable commercial Bell 407, a mature helicopter with more than 1,600 airframes produced and over 4.4 million flight hours. Modifications to the MQ-8C's airframes are carried out at the Bell Helicopter facility in Ozark, Alabama, while final assembly is performed in Moss Point, Mississippi.
“In partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are dedicated to fielding this state-of-the-art, ship-based ISR platform as part of a strategy that provides warfighters ISR,” said Leslie Smith, vice president, tactical autonomous systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “We are pleased to support the Navy with additional MQ-8C Fire Scouts with maritime dominance support through this procurement. Our team will strive to exceed expectations in affordability, quality and on-time delivery.”
MQ-8C Fire Scout has completed operational assessment, a developmental flight test program and is now preparing for Milestone C. MQ-8C Fire Scout has accrued over 730 flight hours and flown 353 sorties.
European Commission mulls development of new medium tactical airlifter
The European Commission has launched a call for tenders to study the possible development of a new medium tactical cargo...
Korean Air postpones Asiana deal by further three months
Korean Air postpones the deadline to complete a deal for a majority stake in Asiana by three months, to September 30, 20...
Icelandair to expand its 737 Max fleet to 20 aircraft with new lease agreement
Icelandair will add two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet following an agreement with Singapore-based lessor BO...
New F-35 customer: Greece sends request for 20 stealth jets
Greece sent a request for 20 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, the country’s Prime Minister announces....