USN intends to use the MQ-8C’s AN/ZPY-8 Osprey radar to provide OTH targeting for Naval Strike Missile

The U.S. Navy’s UX-24 squadron is preparing to start testing of the Leonardo AN/ZPY-8 Osprey radar on the MQ-8C unmanned helicopter.

Photo: U.S. Navy

This surface warfare (SUW) upgrade to the MQ-8C will match the Osprey radar with the BRITE Star Block II (BSBII) targeting turret for over-the-horizon targeting to the Naval Strike Missile installed on the Littoral Combat Ships. Data taken from both systems will be processed using the onboard Minotaur processing suite.

The MQ-8C’s maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities will be enhanced thanks to the long range detection and tracking and radar imaging capabilities of the AN/ZPY-8.

Overland, the Osprey can also provide moving-target detection to the warfighter.

Fleet deployment is expected to start next year.

The Osprey X-band radar was selected for the MQ-8C back in 2016. Although available as a 3-panel solution to provide 360 degrees coverage, the U.S. Navy choose a 2-panel solution. It can be seen mounted underneath the nose of the helicopter.

First flight of the MQ-8C with the radar took place on Feb. 27.