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Navy/USMC

Navy’s Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter Completes Operational Assessment

Valerie Insinna

Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

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Navy’s Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter Completes Operational Assessment

The MQ-8C Fire Scout completes a test flight at the Point Mugu Sea Range, Naval Base Ventura County. (Photo by Northrop Grumman)

The Navy’s MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter on Nov. 20 wrapped up its operational assessment (OA), readying the program for a Milestone C decision next year.During the assessment, the service tested the MQ-8C’s endurance, reliability and performance, including its ability to survey maritime and land targets, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) stated in a news release on Monday. Its sensors and systems were tested at different altitudes and ranges during day and nighttime conditions. The OA also evaluated the integration…

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