Northrop Grumman has successfully demonstrated the ability of its Fire Scout unmanned aerial system to resupply combat troops deployed to forward positions.
The company announced that the MQ-8B Vertical Unmanned Aerial System (VUAS) can resupply troops during the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) at Fort Benning, Ga. AEWE gives soldiers a first-hand look at emerging technologies and concepts.
For the experimental mission, Fire Scout had two ruggedized containers attached to external pylons. The unit flew autonomously from take-off to the cargo drop to landing. The VUAS also used its electro-optical/infrared optical payload during the mission to practice reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) techniques.
According to an official release, Fire Scout is equipped with a payload interface unit, which allows it to release the cargo pod without the presence of a soldier. Fire Scout observed the landing area to confirm the area was free of obstacles and personnel prior to landing. Upon landing, Fire Scout's skid sensors detected contact with the ground. Upon touchdown, the autonomous mission was preplanned for release of the cargo pod and seconds later the aircraft took off again to continue its RSTA mission.
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