SAN DIEGO. Northrop Grumman Corporation and UK-based Ultra equipped a modified, manned Bell 407 (acting as an MQ-8C Fire Scout surrogate) platform with Ultra sonobuoys, receiver and processor to complete an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability demonstration.
This successful demonstration of the UAS ASW mission on October 29 was the first time a vertical takeoff surrogate unmanned aerial system (VTUAS) had been used to conduct a large area multistatic acoustic search. The mission payload and effects were controlled from the ground with the resultant ASW picture disseminated to locations across the globe.
“Adding an ASW capability to Fire Scout’s existing multi-mission capabilities would further enhance this highly-versatile platform,” said Dan Redman, Fire Scout maritime mission expansion lead, Northrop Grumman. “This ASW capability would offer commanders flexibility to employ not only UAS systems in this particular ASW role, but also utilize the increased availability of crewed aircraft more incisively against an expanded mission set. This would increase the total available effect of the manned/unmanned teamed force mix.”
By jointly developing and demonstrating UAS ASW capabilities, initially on an MQ-8C Fire Scout manned surrogate as part of an industry-led initiative, the two companies are combining their world-leading expertise and experience with the aim of bringing unique ASW solutions to global customers. While the U.S. Navy has not yet identified a clear requirement for UAS ASW capability, it has shown interest in the development and continues to support and monitor progress.
“Operating prototype hardware in a high-pressure real-world environment can be challenging,” said Thomas Link, president of Ultra Maritime. “Our partnership will bring an innovative and leading ASW capability into operation, combining both manned and unmanned ASW systems that will help defend our warfighters and provide increased capability to our forces.”
The MQ-8C Fire Scout can fly missions in excess of 12 hours, providing commanders an unrivaled level of layered multi-source/sensor intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and command and control/comms relay capabilities over land and sea. When operating in a manned-unmanned teaming concept, Fire Scout enables commanders to employ manned assets in a more focused manner, allowing them to exploit hybrid manned/unmanned teaming opportunities.
Ultra are applications engineers and trusted partners in the design, development and production of the key elements of mission critical, intelligent and highly regulated systems.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
Northrop Grumman UK Limited is a private limited company registered in England & Wales with registered number 5989428. Registered office: 2nd Floor Clareville House, 26-27 Oxendon Street, London, SW1Y 4EL. A subsidiary of the Northrop Grumman Corporation. This message, including any attachments, may contain information which is private and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this message and have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and remove it from your system. You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose or distribute its contents to any other person.
Ultra Electronics Limited, trading as Ultra Electronics Command & Sonar Systems, is registered in England and Wales, company number 02830644, whose registered office is at 35 Portman Square, London W1H 6LR and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Ultra Electronics Limited is a subsidiary company of Ultra Electronics Holdings plc registered in England and Wales, company number 02830397, whose registered office is at 35 Portman Square, London W1H 6LR.
Ultra Electronics is committed to safeguarding the privacy of all personal data: data privacy notice. Email communications may be monitored by us, as permitted by applicable law and regulations. This email is confidential and may also be privileged. If you have received this message in error you should notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete the message from your system.
