SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) is featured in the latest version of the U.S. Army's America's Army 3 (AA3) computer game. America's Army 3 includes Fire Scout as part of an introduction to the game's Unmanned Aircraft Systems integration.
Launched in July 2002, America's Army has become one of the world's most popular computer game franchises. Embraced by pop culture, America's Army is one of the most recognizable game brands as a result of its unique inside perspective on the U.S. Army and exciting gameplay. The America's Army games provide players a virtual portal into the Army, from exploring the development of soldiers in individual and collective training to their employment in simulated missions in the global war on terrorism. In the America's Army game, players are bound by rules of engagement and progress in their virtual Army careers by navigating challenges in teamwork-based, multiplayer, force-on-force operations. In the game, as in the Army, accomplishing missions requires a team effort and adherence to the seven core Army values.
Fire Scout's debut highlights the VUAS hovering over the warfighters on the ground and as a silhouette on the game's prominent maps. In future versions of AA3, Fire Scout will become a more interactive aspect to the game. Gamers will be able to call upon the Fire Scout for intelligence and support.
"Fire Scout's introduction in one of the most popular computer games in the world is an exciting venture for us," said Mike Howell, business development manager for Army systems at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "We are happy to support the U.S. Army with this educational tool that provides some insight into what it is like to serve in the U.S. Army."
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Sherri Pineda Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (858) 618-4556 Sherri.pineda@ngc.com