Published on Oct 31, 2013 – by Northrop Grumman
The Northrop Grumman-built MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter successfully completed its first flight on Oct. 31 from Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout program that includes the combat-proven MQ-8B and the next-generation MQ-8C variant. The MQ-8C provides the Navy with increased endurance, range, and payload capacity.
Just another drone. Yawn.
What’s the long red stick in front of its nose?
A pitot tube – It allows the airspeed indicator to work correctly. Calibrates the outside air pressure to allow the airspeed indicator to show the correct air speed.
Some could see it as a big target for a heat seeker.
. . .
Seems like a big pitot tube. I was thinking In flight refueling probe(IFR).