Northrop Grumman and Bell to develop Fire-X VUAS

Northop Grumman and Bell Helicopter are partnering to develop a medium range vertical unmanned aerial system (VUAS) based on Bell’s 407 light single helicopter.

To be known as Fire-X, the optionally manned VUAS will integrate the unmanned systems architecture developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Navy’s MQ-8B Fire Scout program. The Fire-X will be designed to operate with current and future military standards-based control systems including the US Navy’s Tactical Control Station and the US Army’s One System ground control station.