Cubic’s advanced data link solutions integrated into Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout

Cubic Global Defense (CGD), a business unit of San Diego, CA-based Cubic Corporation, announced on April 5 that a Cubic designed and produced Wide Band Line of Sight (WBLOS) data link system integrated into Northrop Grumman Corporation MQ-8C Fire Scout 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.

Source: Cubic Corporation