Matthew Nelson
The U.S. Navy partnered with Northrop Grumman to test a Leonardo-built surveillance radar aboard an MQ-8C Fire Scout aircraft.
The AN/ZPY-8 radar underwent ground trials for several weeks prior to the initial flight test, Northrop said Friday.
Melissa Packwood, program manager of tactical autonomous systems at Northrop, said the radar enabled Fire Scout to trace and detect targets at extended ranges.
“The ability to simultaneously employ multiple modes supports U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements,†added Packwood.
Fire Scout reached initial operational capability status in June 2019 and is slated to be fielded in 2021. Thirty-two MQ-8C units have been delivered to the service branch and are set to be equipped with the AN/ZPY-8 radar.
