Northrop now arming Fire Scouts

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman has started work outfitting the Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter with a weapons system. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided 70mm rocket will allow ship commanders to identify and engage hostile targets without calling in other aircraft for support. With delivery set for March 2013, Fire Scout will be Navy's first sea-based unmanned system to carry weapons. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 11/08/11) Gulf Coast note: Fire Scouts are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.