Admiral: Speedup unmanned programs

WASHINGTON - The Navy's top admiral said he hoped to speed up work on unmanned weapons systems, including underwater vehicles and an unmanned combat plane. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead cited the Navy's earlier-than-planned deployment last month of the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter, which he said is performing “wonderfully.” Roughead also said he’s pressing to accelerate development of the Unmanned Combat Aerial System. The Fire Scout and UCAS are both Northrop Grumman products. (Source: Reuters, 11/02/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop Grumman Fire Scout finishing work is done in Moss Point, Miss.