Telephonics radar picked for Fire Scout

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FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Telephonics Corp.'s multi-mode maritime surveillance radar will be used on the U.S. Navy's MQ-8B vertical takeoff and landing tactical UAV.

Inclusion of the AN/ZPY-4(V)1 on the unmanned aerial vehicle, which is part of the Navy's Fire Scout radar Rapid Deployment Capability program, is the result of an award from Northrop Grumman, the aircraft's manufacturer.

"The integration of the AN/ZPY-4(V)1 multi-mode radar onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout will bring an all-weather sensor that provides wide area situational awareness capability to the platform," said Kevin McSweeney, Telephonics' chief operating officer. "The AN/ZPY-4(V)1 will provide enhanced ISR benefits to the U.S. Navy while performing sea and land-based unmanned operations."

The MQ-8B is an autonomous helicopter developed for reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support. It has a combat radius of 110 miles.

Telephonics said its radar system will be configured to give the VTUAV the capability to conduct broad area intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.