Northrop Grumman, Ultra demonstrate unmanned ASW capability
Demonstration marked first use of a VTOL surrogate UAS to conduct a large area multi-static acoustic search.
Northrop Grumman and Ultra Electronics have showcased an ASW capability for the MQ-8C Fire Scout, the US-based company announced on 2 February.
This ASW demonstration (pictured) involved a modified and piloted Bell 407 helicopter in the role of MQ-8C Fire Scout surrogate, equipped with Ultra sonobuoy, receiver and processor equipment.
The demonstration, which took place in late October 2020, marked the first use of a VTOL surrogate UAS to conduct a large area multi-static acoustic search.
‘The mission payload and effects were controlled from the ground with the resultant ASW picture disseminated to locations across the globe,’ Northrop Grumman noted.
Adding ASW to the multi-mission capabilities offered by the MQ-8C would offer commanders ‘flexibility to employ not only UAS systems in this particular ASW role, but also utilise the increased availability of crewed aircraft more incisively against an expanded mission set’, noted Dan Redman, Fire Scout maritime mission expansion lead at Northrop Grumman.
The USN is yet to define any requirements for a UAS ASW capability, but it has shown interest in the possibilities and continues to support and monitor progress.
Last month, General Atomics demonstrated what it described as the first self-contained ASW capability for a UAS, using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
