PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has begun flight testing of the Multi-Function Active Sensor radar system to be used on the MQ-4C unmanned aircraft system.
The initial test was conducted in California with Northrop Grumman, developer of the aircraft and the radar system. A Gulfstream aircraft was used as a surrogate for the MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAS.
Additional tests are scheduled through the year.
Thirty test-bed aircraft flights are planned for the early sensor radar trials to mature its surveillance modes for maritime surface objects.
"This milestone is a significant step forward for the program," said Patrick Ellis, BAMS UAS mission systems lead.
"The road leading to MFAS first flight included challenges, but seeing this physical proof in our preparation for the upcoming test and evaluation phase of the program brings a new boost of energy and excitement to the team."
The MFAS is an electronically scanned array system for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The first BAMS UAS is expected to achieve operational status with the Navy by fiscal 2015.
