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Advanced / Transformational Technology

Northrop Grumman Says Proteus-Firebird Flight Demonstrates Possibility of Advanced Data Link for Highly Contested Environments

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

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Northrop Grumman Says Proteus-Firebird Flight Demonstrates Possibility of Advanced Data Link for Highly Contested Environments

A Northrop Grumman Firebird optionally manned aircraft in flight (Northrop Grumman Photo)

U.S. AIR FORCE PLANT 42 PALMDALE, Calif.—Northrop Grumman [NOC] said it has demonstrated a low-probability of intercept, anti-jam advanced data link for highly contested environments in information exchanged between a Scaled Composites' Proteus high altitude long endurance (HALE) drone and a Firebird optionally manned aircraft. In flight over the Mojave Desert on July 14, the Proteus located a ground target and provided an optical data link with continuous photos to a Firebird flying below the Proteus. Northrop Grumman then used…

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