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 Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability]()
UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability
A total of 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlin helicopters have now been upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard, with the work overseen by the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Leonardo and the Royal Navy (RN).
-
![Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds]()
Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has said the drones won’t meet planned military requirements until 2029, after extensive delays pushed timeline back to the end of 2026.
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
-
![The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades]()
The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
