The Navy and Northrop Grumman [NOC] are preparing for testing expected to get underway this fall for the larger version of the Fire Scout unmanned helicopter.
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| The M8-8C undergoing engine tests. Photo by Northrop Grumman |
Northrop Grumman said yesterday the first MQ-8C Fire Scout was powered up and its blades were rotated as part of a test to ensure the aircraft’s systems are properly functioning and communicating. The test took place at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, which lies north of Los Angeles.
“We continue to work closely with our Navy customer, ensuring that the Fire Scout system is checked out and ready before operational use,” said George Vardoulakis, vice president of medium range tactical systems at Northrop Grumman.
The MQ-8C is the planned successor to the smaller MQ-8B Fire Scout, which has deployed on Navy ships and in Afghanistan for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Navy is currently in the process arming the MQ-8Bs.
The MQ-8C is based on the 407 airframe built by Textron [TXT] subsidiary Bell Helicopter, and will be capable of 15 hours of flight time, including eight on station–twice that offered by the smaller MQ-8Bs. The MQ-8Cs are scheduled to first be deployed next year. The first of the larger airframes was delivered to the Navy in July.
The MQ-8C was developed under an urgent need. Northrop Grumman is currently under contract to build 14 MQ-8Cs. The Navy plans to procure a total of 30.