Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract for engineering services to the U.S. Army's Hunter unmanned aircraft systems.
The deal, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, is valued at $12.5 million and is a modification to a previous contract.
The Army's RQ-5 Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle is an intelligence community asset as it is primarily used for reconnaissance missions and has strike capabilities — the MQ-5A/B carries the GBU-44/B Viper Strike, which is a GPS-aided, laser-guided anti-tank bomb.
Work on the contract and funding will be determined with each order, according to the Pentagon announcement.
The contract between the Army and Northrop Grumman is expected to be complete by January 17, 2019.
Australia lifesaving drone makes first rescue
A pair of Australian swimmers on Thursday became the first people to be rescued in the ocean by a drone when the aerial lifesaver dropped a safety device to distressed teens caught in rough seas.
Australia is leading the use of the technology in surf lifesaving, with dozens of drones being trialled on beaches around the country.
In what is believed to be a world-first drone surf rescue, … read more
