Northrop Grumman is to take part in the Pentagon's competition for a joint tactical manoeuvre unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The Maneuver UAV will provide an intelligence-gathering capability at up to 32km (17nm) range with electro-optical and forward-looking infra-red sensors. The Pentagon could buy as many as 100 systems (each with four air vehicles) for the US Army and US Marine Corps.
The project stalled several months ago, but the Pentagon has decided to field it within two years, using a fast-track acquisition strategy. A request for proposals is now being finalised.
Northrop Grumman is teamed with the UK's Target Technology (TTL) and the Tamam unit of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The US firm integrated TTL's Spectre-UAV reconnaissance air vehicle, with Tamam's Plug-in Optronic Payload (POP) TV infra-red sensor.
During a series of demonstration test flights conducted by the UK firm, various ground and air targets were located, identified and tracked. Ground station operators received real-time imagery, and the tests verified that the integration was successfully accomplished, says Northrop Grumman.
The test flights were covered by letters of intent from the three companies.
Northrop Grumman says the Spectra II System can meet or exceed stated US Army and USMC manoeuvre UAV performance requirements.
The short-range drone project, is not without competitors. Declared entrants also include Westinghouse, offering Huntair; Alliant Techsystems/Mission Technologies with Twinwing; Lear Astronics/Canadair, offering the CL-227 Sentinel; the General Atomics Prowler; and a Raytheon/AAI team offering the Shadow 200 air vehicle.
Source: Flight International
