Korea Aerospace Industries taps another European missile supplier

On the same subject

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  February 5, 2021 | International, Naval

  Northrop Grumman and Ultra Demonstrate Unmanned Anti-submarine Warfare Capability

  Northrop Grumman Corporation and UK-based Ultra Maritime 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. https://www.uasvision.com/2021/02/04/northrop-grumman-and-ultra-demonstrate-unmanned-anti-submarine-warfare-capability/

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  April 19, 2021 | International, Land

  Pencils up: Bids are due for Army’s Bradley replacement and it’s only the beginning

  Here's who will be competing in the initial design phase of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle Competition.

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  September 29, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

  Global Hawk UAS Capabilities Enhanced with New Sensors

  Mike Ball Northrop Grumman has enhanced its Global Hawk high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) with the addition of two new sensors. The MS-177 multi-spectral camera system provides additional high-resolution imaging capabilities, while the increment 1 upgraded AN/ASQ-230 system delivers enhanced signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection. The MS-177 multi-spectral camera system provides multiple channels of intelligence collection in both visible and infrared bands, giving the Global Hawk collection coverage in areas that cannot easily be reached by other means. Fielding of the AN/ASQ-230 increment 1 enhances Global Hawk's ability to deal with expanded electronic threats. Global Hawk's combination of autonomy, range, endurance and payload, and an average aircraft age of under nine years, make the UAS a valuable asset for domestic and international customers with critical ISR collection requirements. The system is uniquely positioned for additional missions that connect joint forces as one, including persistent high-capacity backbone, pseudo-satellite communications coverage, and joint all-domain command and control. Leslie Smith, vice president of the Global Hawk division at Northrop Grumman, commented: “Ongoing improvements to Global Hawk underscore Northrop Grumman's commitment to the United States Air Force's ISR mission and reducing costs through agile development and leveraged solutions. New and improved payloads flying on our young, yet proven fleet of aircraft will allow our partners to deploy high value, networked assets to monitor adversaries while not risking the lives of military personnel well into the 2040s.” https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2020/09/global-hawk-uas-capabilities-enhanced-with-new-sensors/