VTUAV Fires Rocket

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Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems recently conducted a series of flight tests at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Ariz., that culminated in two successful launches of a 2.75-inch Hydra class rocket from the Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Fire Scout is the Navy's vehicle take-off unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV), which is programmed to deploy aboard the littoral combat ship and become operational in FY 09. Recently the Fire Scout was re-designated from RQ-8B to MQ-8B. This new designation, MQ, reflects the multi-mission capabilities of the Fire Scout...........Click link for more info



[edit on 17-8-2005 by ignorance is a plenty]

I was wondering how useful is a 2.75inch rocket in naval use?
because it isn't that efective even against ground targets, unless used in great numbers...

[edit on 17-8-2005 by northwolf]

The rockets were used to prove it can be used as a weapons platform hence the MQ-8B (Multi Mission) designation.

[edit on 17-8-2005 by ignorance is a plenty]

Is this groundbreaking because it is the first US VT UAV firing a rocket??
Cause normal UAV's have been firing rockets for a long time now..
And plus is this Fire-scout a Fixed wing a/c? I have doubts because the article said it was going at 40-52mph.. Sounds like a rotor craft to me..

Vertical, not vehicle take-off.

It is indeed a rotor-craft, much like a Hughes H-6.