Navy MQ-8C unmanned helicopter hits initial operational capability; ready for operations and training
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – The U.W. Navy declared initial operational capability (IOC) of the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter on 28 June 2019, clearing the way for fleet operations and training. Naval Air Systems Command reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
9 July 2019 -- The MQ-8C variant is an endurance and payload upgrade to its predecessor, the MQ-8B, offering as long as 12 hours on station depending on payload, and incorporates the commercial Bell 407 airframe.
The Northrop Grumman-built Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has flown more than 1,500 hours with more than 700 sorties to date. Over the next few years, Northrop Grumman will continue MQ-8C production deliveries to the Navy to complete a total of 38 aircraft.
The MQ-8C 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 (GMTI).
Related: Next-generation Fire Scout unmanned helicopters to have increased range and payload
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics