Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. says it has begun testing at its Norwalk electronic systems division new onboard sensor that will give 360-degree "vision'' to the Navy's next generation aerial drone.

The multi-function active sensor (MFAS) is planned for the Navy's MQ-4C drone aircraft.

Authorities say the MFAS will give the drone the ability to spotlight a geographic area of interest for longer periods to increase detection capabilities of smaller targets, particularly in sea clutter.

Northrop is due to deliver the first MFAS sensor to its facility in San Diego, Calif., in June with a second sensor slated for delivery in September.

Flight tests of the sensor are planned for later this year aboard the company's Gulfstream II test aircraft.