Star SAFIRE III part of Fire Scout simultaneous radar and EO/IR video capability demonstration

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today that its Star SAFIRE III was an integral component of Northrop Grumman Corporation's latest successful MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) demonstration. Simultaneous radar and electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) digital video was provided from the Star SAFIRE III sensor through the Fire Scout's tactical common data link.

The demonstration was part of an ongoing internal research and development effort to reduce risk and solidify requirements for multiple program radar integration on Fire Scout. The successful 40 minute flight, using a company-owned air vehicle and ground control segment, took place on November 18th at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona test center.

Star SAFIRE III is qualified beyond Mil Specs and available with up to seven sensor and laser payloads, including a high-resolution infrared imager, long-range color cameras and an embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation system for precise target location.

"FLIR Systems is proud to provide the Fire Scout's eyes that will aid our warfighters in identifying potential threats in the field," said Earl R. Lewis, president and CEO of FLIR Systems. "Successfully demonstrating simultaneous radar and electro-optical infrared digital video capability is a significant milestone for the Fire Scout program."

Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout will provide unprecedented situational awareness and precision targeting support for future military and law enforcement agencies. The Fire Scout can find tactical targets, track and designate targets, accurately provide targeting data to strike platforms and perform battle damage assessment. With vehicle endurance greater than eight hours, Fire Scout will be capable of continuous operations providing coverage 110 nautical miles from any launch site.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this release by Earl R. Lewis and the other statements in this release about the order described above, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: the ability to manufacture and deliver the systems referenced in this release, changes in demand for the Company's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries under the order and contract discussed above, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, excess or shortage of production capacity, the ability of the Company to manufacture and ship products in the time period required, the continuing eligibility of the Company to act as a federal contractor, the amount and availability of appropriated government procurement funds and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers.

About FLIR Government Systems
A division of FLIR Systems, Inc., FLIR Government Systems is a world leader in the design, qualification, and manufacture of thermal imaging and stabilized EO/IR systems for a wide variety of airborne, maritime, land based and man-portable applications including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), border control and drug interdiction, navigation safety, maritime patrol, force protection and facility security, forward observation, training, targeting and fire control, and laser weapons designation. FLIR Government Systems operates service and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

About Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.