Northrop Grumman now has two flying prototypes for the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. The first, P6, flew a year ago and is dedicated to ship-based demonstrations. Meanwhile, a surprise Northrop press release issued about 15 minutes ago announced first flight of a second prototype, P7. (Sorry, the first flight photo won't be released until at least tomorrow.)
The latter prototype will be dedicated to the Fire Scout's land-based mission. It will demonstrate the range and capability of the surveillance mission, compliance with the US Army's AAI One ground control system and also emerging missions such as battlefield re-supply.
I also asked one of Northrop's Fire Scout executives in quick interview moments ago about competitive pressure. Boeing's A160 Hummingbird has been picked up by the US Special Operations Command and is being pitched to the US Marine Corps, among other operators. Does Northrop need P7 to keep the otherwise dormany army Fire Scout program competitive?
"If I told you it was independent [of competitive pressure] you'd say, 'You liar,' and there would be some truth to that," the Northrop executive said. "We're very pleased with the maturity and progress with the Fire Scout system. ... There's a maturity that's been achieved in the program others don't have."
The latter prototype will be dedicated to the Fire Scout's land-based mission. It will demonstrate the range and capability of the surveillance mission, compliance with the US Army's AAI One ground control system and also emerging missions such as battlefield re-supply.
I also asked one of Northrop's Fire Scout executives in quick interview moments ago about competitive pressure. Boeing's A160 Hummingbird has been picked up by the US Special Operations Command and is being pitched to the US Marine Corps, among other operators. Does Northrop need P7 to keep the otherwise dormany army Fire Scout program competitive?
"If I told you it was independent [of competitive pressure] you'd say, 'You liar,' and there would be some truth to that," the Northrop executive said. "We're very pleased with the maturity and progress with the Fire Scout system. ... There's a maturity that's been achieved in the program others don't have."
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