The US Army has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation two contractor logistics support contract modifications totaling $91.2 million for the MQ-5B Hunter programme. The cost-plus-fixed-fee interoperability engineering change proposal and the tactical common data link (TCDL) RESET programmes both have a period of performance of 12 months.

For the TCDL RESET, Northrop Grumman will reset the current C-Band Hunter MQ-5B systems with TCDL technology to include resetting Hunter air vehicles, ground stations and data terminals with TCDL technology. Additionally, the TCDL also serves as a foundation of establishing interoperability among different US Department of Defense air vehicles and ground stations. Such innovation also allows for manned aircraft to use unmanned aircraft, their sensors and weapons as an extension of their own capabilities keeping aviators out of harm’s way.

The MQ-5B Hunter, which is currently deployed supporting contingency operations in Southwest Asia, is providing the US Army with state-of-the-art intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications relay.

“The Hunter was critical to development of numerous advanced manned and unmanned teaming concepts while attached to combat aviation brigades in support of operations in Iraq,” said Kevin Goates, Director, Northrop Grumman Technical Services’ Unmanned Systems Sustainment Center. “Most importantly, it saved, and will continue to save, the lives of countless soldiers and civilians as it plays a vital role in overcoming the threat of improvised explosive devices.”