NG delivers MQ-8B Fire Scout UAVs

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has received an initial delivery of Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout tactical unmanned aerial vehicle technologies.

U.S. company Northrop Grumman says it has successfully completed the first of its MQ-8B Fire Scout deliveries. The three UAV technologies were delivered to the Navy as part of the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle program.

Officials say two of the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAVs are now operating on the Navy's USS McInerney guided missile frigate. The third MQ-8B Fire Scout deliver was undisclosed.

"Fire Scout's performance aboard the USS McInerney has continued to provide us with invaluable operational insight and enhance our ability to support the U.S. Navy," George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector vice president of Tactical Unmanned Systems, said in a statement.

"And we are excited about the opportunity to work alongside the sailors of the USS McInerney for Fire Scout's first operational deployment."