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PORTLAND, Ore., 12 Dec. 2008. FLIR Systems Inc.'s Star SAFIRE III provided simultaneous radar and electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) digital video as part of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s latest MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) demonstration.
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," says 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 situational awareness and precision targeting support for future military and law enforcement agencies, says an official.
The Fire Scout can find tactical targets, track and designate targets, 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.
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