MQ-8C protection cage delivered

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SOMERSET, Ky., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- A protective cage to store and protect electronic components of the next-generation MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has been received by Northrop Grumman.

The cage, known as a Faraday cage, was produced by Summit Aviation of Delaware and shields electronic systems of the aircraft from possible electromagnetic interference.

"The Summit team is proud to be a member of the Northrop Grumman Fire Scout team and supply the Faraday cage structure for the Fire Scout program," said Ralph Kunz, general manager for Summit Aviation. "This partnership between our organizations resulted in the structure being completed in five months."

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the U.S. Navy's Fire Scout program. A total of 28 new MQ-8C Endurance Upgrade Fire Scouts will be built using a purpose-modified Bell 407 air vehicle.

George Vardoulakis, vice president for tactical unmanned systems with Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector said adding the Faraday cage to Fire Scout will not only protect key electronic systems but also give the Navy improved accessibility and maintainability by centrally locating key critical avionics components.

Summit Aviation is part of the Greenwich AeroGroup.