Northrop Grumman Delivers First Operational MQ-8C Fire Scout to the US Navy

[Triton]

"Northrop Grumman Delivers First Operational MQ-8C Fire Scout to the US Navy"
Dec 4, 2014

Source:
http://defence-blog.com/?p=2186

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC ) has delivered the first operational MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the US Navy. The system will be used by ship-based commanders to improve the Navy’s intelligence-gathering capabilities.

The MQ-8C is an upgraded version of the existing MQ-8B Fire Scout using a larger airframe. It can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads.

“The test program will run through the summer as we expect these aircraft to be ready for operations by year’s end,” said George Vardoulakis , vice president for medium range tactical systems with Northrop Grumman.

The MQ-8C’s first ship-board flight tests aboard the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) will be conducted 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.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

 

[Triton]

Nice cutaway poster from Flight International.

Source:
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fire-scout-reborn-mq-8c-cutaway-and-technical-description-398400/

 

[Grey Havoc]

US Navy declares IOC for MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter

The US Navy (USN) declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter on 28 June.

www.flightglobal.com

 

[RavenOne]

Here are my photos from Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout from Royal International Air Tattoo 2018.



As it was, a former MQ-8C stripped out and used as marketing mock up.

cheers

 

[Grey Havoc]

Northrop Grumman, Ultra Demonstrate Unmanned ASW Capability - Naval News

Northrop Grumman Corporation and UK-based Ultra equipped a modified, manned Bell 407 (acting as an MQ-8C Fire Scout surrogate) platform with Ultra sonobuoys, receiver and processor to complete an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability demonstration.

www.navalnews.com

https://www.facebook.com/90319605974/posts/10157978239995975

View: https://www.facebook.com/90319605974/posts/10157978239995975/

Nice quick shot at sensor display (00:35):

View: https://youtu.be/7jNFL4efoBo

 

[Grey Havoc]

MQ-8B Fire Scout Crashes Into Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston On Deployment - USNI News

An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the side of Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston (LCS-18) after taking off from the ship today, the Navy announced. The rotary-wing UAV was operating from the ship around 9:40 a.m. when the collision happened in the Western Pacific...

news.usni.org

 

[Grey Havoc]

I’ve seen MQ-8C Firescout at Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 at RAF Fairford, my photo below.

View attachment 653090

cheers

 

[aonestudio]

Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout Completes Successful Fit Check aboard USS Anchorage (LPD-23)

SAN DIEGO – May 24, 2021 – (PHOTO RELEASE) A Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) MQ-8C Fire Scout, the U.S. Navy’s only ship-based autonomous helicopter program, passes the initial fit check aboard the USS Anchorage (LPD-23) at Naval Base San Diego...

news.northropgrumman.com

 

[aonestudio]

USMC and US Navy Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming - Naval News

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the United States Navy (US Navy) demonstrated manned/unmanned teaming between AH-1Z Viper, UH-1Y Venom and MQ-8C Fire Scout.

www.navalnews.com