Northrop Grumman delivered its first MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to U.S. Navy in early July in preparation for ground and fligh...
Northrop Grumman delivered its first MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to U.S. Navy in early July in preparation for ground and flight testing.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout will provide the U.S. Navy with an increased range by over 30%, twice the endurance and an increased payload capacity over the existing MQ-8B variant
The Fire Scout endurance upgrade, designated the MQ-8C and based on Bell Helicopter's 407, will provide ship commanders with increased range, endurance and payload capacity over the current MQ-8B variant.
Ground and flight testing are the next steps in meeting the urgent requirement for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of US Navy. The testing at the Naval Air Systems Command test range will provide with extended air space to conduct and demonstrate long endurance and systems testing in a maritime environment.
The upcoming tests will be used to validate and mature the upgraded MQ-8 system for operational use. Initial ground testing will ensure that the systems work properly and communicate with the ground control station prior to conducting first flight. The MQ-8 system with the upgraded MQ-8C aircraft will share proven software, avionics, payloads and ship ancillary equipment with the MQ-8B aircraft.
The MQ-8B aircraft currently operates on US Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry-class Navy frigates and in Afghanistan, where it provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to maritime and ground commanders.
The first deployment of the upgraded MQ-8 system with the MQ-8C Fire Scout aircraft will be in 2014.
Source: www.northropgrumman.com
