The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman successfully flew the MQ-8C Fire Scout system for the first time off the guided-missile destroyer, USS ...
The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman successfully flew the MQ-8C Fire Scout system for the first time off the guided-missile destroyer, USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Dec. 16, off the Virginia coast.
The unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an upgrade to the existing "B" variant, which first deployed in 2009 variant is based on the Bell 407 helicopter platform. With its larger airframe, the "C" can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more payload than its predecessor.
In addition to 30 MQ-8Bs that have been delivered by Northrop Grumman, the Navy plans to procure a total of 40 MQ-8Cs to support LCS and other air-capable ships.
