FLIR Systems completes initial flight test of Brite Star II on Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAV

PORTLAND, Ore., 21 Aug. 2008.FLIR Systems Inc. announced the completion of the initial flight test of its Brite Star II on Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B First Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV). The BRITE Star II is the latest generation of the combat-proven, long-range Brite Star multisensor target designation system.

The flight test represents a major milestone for the VTUAV program. The Navy plans to conduct Technical Evaluation of the Fire Scout in early 2009 and will conduct Operational Evaluation (OpEval) in the summer 2009. The Fire Scout will reach initial Operating Capability soon after OpEval in 2009, says a representative.

"This important milestone demonstrates FLIR's position as a leading, world-class supplier of laser designation technologies for unmanned aerial vehicle applications," says Earl R. Lewis, president and CEO of FLIR Systems Inc.