As a force multiplier for crewed-uncrewed teaming, MQ-8C Fire Scout successfully carried out multi-domain operations with the MH-60S Seahawk during its first IndoPacific deployment. There are two Fire Scout variants. The smaller MQ-8B Fire Scout has deployed on multiple frigates and is currently deployed on a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). MQ-8B Fire Scout has also deployed to Afghanistan to support counter- improvised explosive device (IED) operations. This system has completed more than 16,600 flight hours over 6,200 sorties. The Navy has integrated a multi-mode maritime radar on MQ-8B and tested an onboard ωєαρσиs capability, the Advanced Precision Kιℓℓ Wєαρσи System (APKWS). The MQ-8B Fire Scout has also demonstrated the ability to operate concurrently with other manned aircraft while operating at sea.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an upgraded version of the previous MQ-8B Fire Scout and features improved range, endurance, and payload capacity. It is capable of conducting missions at greater distances from the host ship and has an increased endurance of over 12 hours.
The U.S. Navy has been actively using the MQ-8C Fire Scout for various operational deployments, including maritime surveillance, target acquisition, and providing situational awareness to support naval operations. The unmanned nature of the Fire Scout allows it to operate from naval vessels, providing valuable intelligence and support without risking human lives.
It’s worth noting that developments and deployments in military technology can occur after my knowledge cutoff. To get the latest information on the MQ-8C Fire Scout and its operational deployments, I recommend referring to reliable news sources or official announcements from the U.S. Navy.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the Navy’s next-generation autonomous helicopter. The MQ-8C Fire Scout’s airframe is based on the commercial Bell 407, a mature helicopter with more than 1,600 airframes produced and over 4.4 million flight hours. Combined with the maturity of Northrop Grumman’s autonomous systems architecture, Fire Scout meets customer requirements for ship-based and land-based autonomous systems. It also has the ability to autonomously take off and land on any aviation-capable ship and from prepared and unprepared landing zones. This enhancement significantly increases range and endurance (more than double) and payload capacity (more than triple). The MQ-8C has completed developmental testing and is ready to deploy.
