Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy demonstrate manned-unmanned intel sharing

Posted by Skyler Frink

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Dec. 6, 2011. In a recent U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) exercise, a Fire Scout unmanned helicopter successfully sent sensor data to the cockpit display of a MH-60 helicopter.

The demonstration, which took place Oct. 25 near Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., paves the way for improving the speed at which field commanders can make informed decisions during military operations.

Until now, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data gathered by Fire Scout has been sent to its host ship for further dissemination.

During the demonstration, crew members aboard a nearby U.S. Coast Guard boat also viewed Fire Scout's sensor data in real time using a remote terminal.

The capability also improves Fire Scout's communications relay function by allowing multiple units to share real-time information to coordinate actions without delay.

Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with situational awareness and precision targeting support.