Fire Scout wins 2nd year low-rate run

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout helicopter drone has moved into its second year of low-rate initial production with a $32.9 million contract award from the Naval Air Systems Command. It's the second of three planned LRIP buys. The Navy plans to conduct technical evaluation of the Fire Scout aboard an FFG-7 in early 2009. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 09/29/08)