Feature: Spy in the Sky

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Specifics: Rotary-wing Aircraft

Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH

The QH-50 DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) was a small, drone helicopter built by the Gyrodyne Company for use as a long-range anti-submarine weapon on ships that would otherwise be too small to operate a full-sized helicopter. It remained in production until 1969. Several are still used today for various land-based roles. You may notice that it uses a co-axial rotor layout, and as no tail rotor is needed, permits a much smaller airframe design ideal for use on the confines of ship decks. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force is one of the current users of the DASH.

QH-50 DASH.

Northrop Grumman Fire Scout

The Fire Scout is an unmanned robotic helicopter, for use by the United States armed forces. Northrop Grumman is developing the Fire Scout to provide the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with reconnaissance, situational awareness and precision targeting support. The initial version was designated the RQ-8A, and later, an enhanced version, the RQ-8B, was selected as the Class IV UAV for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS). Due to the aircraft's multi-role capability, it was renamed MQ-8B, and is fitted with stub wings so it can carry weaponry, and weapons available for carrying are expected to include Hellfire missiles and 70 millimeter (2.75 inch) folding-fin aerial rockets. The Army is also looking to use the Fire Scout to carry up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds) of emergency supplies to the troops in the field.

An Early RQ-8A Fire Scout.

Boeing A160 Hummingbird

The Hummingbird is a UAV helicopter, and its design incorporates many new technologies never before used in helicopters, allowing for greater endurance and altitude than any helicopter currently in operation. As of 2008, the A160 is still in development, but test flights already demonstrate successively greater endurance, higher altitudes, more extensive autonomy, and greater payload. The prototypes have already broken many world records for helicopter flight as the program moves towards the ambitious goals of a 2500-mile range, 24-hour endurance, and a 30,000 foot altitude. Flights are largely autonomous, with the aircraft making its own decisions about how to fly itself so as to meet certain objectives rather than relying on real-time human control. Maximum speed is over 140 knots.

Boeing A160 Hummingbird.

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