MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV Northrop Grumman has delivered the first operational MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy, enhancin...
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| MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV |
MQ-8C Fire Scout has been undergoing rigorous flight testing and validation ahead of maiden ship-board flight tests aboard deck of USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) this winter. The Navy will then assess the system for operational use.
Northrop Grumman is under contract to build 19 MQ-8C Fire Scouts, including two test aircraft. The Navy plans to purchase 70 aircraft total.
The MQ-8C is an upgraded version of the existing MQ-8B Fire Scout using a larger Bell 407 helicopter airframe. It can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads than MQ-8B. The MQ-8B is based on the Swiss Schweizer 330 UAV.
The MQ-8C is utilizing the same proven autonomous system for takeoff and landings as the current MQ-8B model.
The MQ-4C has undergone sloped takeoff and landing tests. It can precisely track and understand the roll and pitch of the surface which resembles at-sea conditions.
Since its first flight Oct. 31, 2013, the MQ-8C Fire Scout has flown 219 flights and 287 hours.
