POINT MUGU, Calif., Aug. 25, 2015
/PRNewswire/ -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the
U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the
MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight
and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura
County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with
over an hour of fuel in reserve.
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=35509.
The long range, long endurance flight was part of a series of
capability based tests used by the Navy to validate their concept
of operations and previously tested performance parameters. The
Navy conducted the demonstration with support of Northrop Grumman
engineers.
"Endurance flights provide a full evaluation of the MQ-8C Fire
Scout systems," said Capt. Jeff
Dodge, program manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems
Command. "We can better understand the capability of the system and
look at crew tasks and interactions in a controlled environment.
This will allow us to adjust operational procedures to maximize the
system's effectiveness."
This is a new flight record set for the MQ-8 Fire Scout; a
system designed to provide persistent reconnaissance, situational
awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea
forces.
"Today's MQ-8C Fire Scout performance matches our model exactly.
With adjustments, our production aircraft will have 12 hours of
total endurance on a standard day. This prolonged endurance gives
the Navy's commanders a tremendous operational advantage," said
George Vardoulakis, vice president,
medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman. "Increased
time-on-station and fewer launch and recovery cycles better enables
the Navy's diverse missions."
The MQ-8C Fire Scout completed its developmental flight test
program earlier this year and has operational assessment planned
for later this year. The MQ-8C Fire Scout has accumulated over 513
flight hours and flown 353 sorties.
For more information on the MQ-8C Fire Scout, visit:
http://bit.ly/16K1F4m
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