Northrop unveils newest intelligence-gathering aircraft system

Northrop Grumman Corporation has unveiled a new intelligence-gathering aircraft that can be flown either robotically or with a pilot on board.

This view of the firebird shows its wide sensorcarrying capability as well as its low overall volume. It will help military users get real-time high-definition video, view infrared imagery, use radar and even listen to communications signals all at the same time using a new intelligencegathering aircraft system.

Firebird offers a large internal payload bay and an ability to operate multiple intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and communications payloads simultaneously through a universal interface. The system is designed to be flown as a manned or unmanned aircraft.

As lead for the Firebird programme, Northrop Grumman has developed the unmanned systems architecture, control and mission systems. The company chose Scaled Composites to design, build and test the aircraft with first flight occurring just 12 months after the initial concept discussions.

“We have harnessed the innovative techniques of Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites to deliver an unprecedented information-gathering capability,” said Paul Meyer, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Programmes and Technology for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “Firebird addresses future budgetary constraints by combining the best of our piloted and unmanned ISR systems into a single solution ready for a variety of ISR missions.”

Firebird’s universal interface is similar to plugging a memory stick into a personal computer that is automatically recognised without needing to load additional software.

“Not only have we increased the number of ISR sensors working simultaneously in an aircraft of this size, but we can also incorporate various sensors that complement each other, enhancing Firebird’s information-gathering value for warfighters,” said Rick Crooks, Northrop Grumman’s Firebird Programme Manager. “Firebird is an adaptable system that makes it highly affordable because of the number of different missions it can accomplish during a single flight. It’s a real game changer.”

From inception, Firebird was designed to be flown as a manned or unmanned aircraft and can be quickly modified for either option. It is set for an operational demonstration in an optionally-piloted configuration from May 23 to June 3, 2011, during Empire Challenge 2011, a military exercise run by the US Joint Forces Command.