Machinedesign 2602 Firescout Crop 0
Machinedesign 2602 Firescout Crop 0
Machinedesign 2602 Firescout Crop 0
Machinedesign 2602 Firescout Crop 0
Machinedesign 2602 Firescout Crop 0

Scanning for Ideas: Unmanned UAV to be a Recon Ranger

Nov. 22, 2008
Fire Scout carries radar, IR sensors, laser range finder and target designator, RFemission detector, mine, chemical, and radiological sensors, and a communication-relay suite.  It also carries the military’s UAV Common Automatic Recovery System (UCARS).

Edited by Stephen J. Mraz

The Fire Scout UAV from Northrop Grumman Corp., San Diego (northropgrumman.com), could be a long-range scout for the U.S. Army and Navy. It has already flown 200 test flights and is currently in further test and evaluation. Fire Scout carries radar, IR sensors, laser range finder and target designator, RFemission detector, mine, chemical, and radiological sensors, and a communication-relay suite. The vehicle can also land and take off on its own, with no pilot or other controller in the loop. But it also carries the military’s UAV Common Automatic Recovery System (UCARS), a ground-based radar that tracks UAVs and sends positioning commands to ground control stations to maneuver the aircraft. While the Navy will launch and recover the unmanned helicopter from ships, it can also land on unprepared fields, a plus for Army operations.

The aircraft weighs 3,150 lb and can carry a 600-lb payload. It can fly up to 20,000 ft, and stay aloft for 8 hr, or 5 hr with a 500-lb payload. Its Rolls Royce turboshaft jet engine gives it a top speed of 125 knots.

For more information and a look at the Scout in action, see it on Engineering TV at http://tiny.cc/LUKeI

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!