Fire Scout reaches IOC with US Navy – UV – Unmanned Vehicles

The MQ-8C Fire Scout has reached initial operational capability with the US Navy, clearing the way for fleet operations and training to begin.

The MQ-8 Fire Scout will provide reconnaissance, situational awareness and precision targeting support for the navy as a complement to the manned MH-60 helicopter.

The MQ-8C variant is an endurance and payload upgrade to its predecessor, the MQ-8B, offering up to twelve hours on station depending on payload, and incorporates the commercial Bell 407 airframe.

The UAS will be equipped with an upgraded radar that allows for a larger field of view and a range of digital modes including weather detection, air-to-air targeting and a ground moving target indicator

Northrop Grumman will now continue MQ-8C production deliveries to the navy to complete a total of 38 aircraft, and will deploy on the LCS fleet from 2021.