Cubic Global Defense Data Link Solutions Integrated into MQ-8C Fire Scout UAS

By Mike Ball / 05 Apr 2016
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MQ-8C Fire Scout UASCubic Global Defense (CGD), a developer of defense technologies, has announced that a Cubic-designed and produced Wide Band Line of Sight (WBLOS) data link system integrated into the Northrop Grumman Corporation MQ-8C Fire Scout has recently completed a successful operational assessment.

Fire Scout is a combat proven, unmanned helicopter system that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), target-acquisition, laser designation and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the U.S. Navy’s next-generation unmanned helicopter.

Cubic is the provider of the data link system for the MQ-8C Fire Scout, in which two Cubic Miniature Multiband Transceivers (MMT) enable simultaneous Ku Band transmissions. Cubic’s MMT is a fast, compact, software defined radio that is fully programmable and can be used with a standard, bandwidth-efficient Common Data Link (CDL), and other waveforms. To support the MQ-8C program, Cubic has delivered more than 20 units in production and spares to date.

“Cubic provides compact, secure wide-band communications and networking solutions for use on manned/unmanned platforms,” said Mike Twyman, executive vice president, Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems of Cubic Global Defense. “The successful completion of the operational assessment of MQ-8C Fire Scout is a testament to our strong working partnership with Northrop Grumman.”

“Cubic data link is essential to the MQ-8C Fire Scout and was vital to the successful completion of the operational assessment,” said Leslie Smith, vice president for medium-range tactical systems at Northrop Grumman. “We value the partnership and outstanding performance of the communication systems provided by Cubic in support of the Fire Scout.”

MQ-8C Fire Scout completed the developmental flight test program for the MQ-8C in 2015 and preparations are underway for the next assessment milestone this year.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact