SAN DIEGO -- Changes to Northrop Grumman's unmanned helicopter program are expected to bring more jobs to the San Diego area.
Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout helicopter is the only helicopter in the unmanned aerial fleet and although it's still in a test phase, the Fire Scout is already proving itself on the front lines in Afghanistan.
"It's providing really critical full-motion video out there and we're getting nothing but great response from those in the field," said Mike Fuqua, who is with Northrop Grumman.
When NATO forces were deployed to help rebels in Libya, a Fire Scout was conducting surveillance until it was shot down.
In Rancho Bernardo, about 200 employees work on research and development, software design and engineering for the Fire Scout.
About 100 more engineers and other technicians will be needed because the current version of Fire Scout will undergo major changes.
"It doesn't have the ability to carry the sensors and payloads or the endurance that the Navy is looking for in the future," said Fuqua.
The new version, called "Fire X," will be larger and more powerful.It will be based on the Bell 407 helicopter and thousands have already been put into production. Northrop plans to add its technology to the helicopter as well as equip it with weapons.
The Navy is looking to operate the unmanned helicopter off the new littoral combat ship, such as the San Diego-based USS Freedom.
"The aircraft is capable to land on all aircraft-capable ships so any ship that can take a helicopter can take a Fire Scout," said Fuqua.
Aside from additional jobs in San Diego, the program could create more jobs at the company's production facility in Mosspoint, Miss.
The program still has to pass the U.S. Department of Defense's budget, but Northrop Grumman is confident it will be approved.
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