Second MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter Completes First Flight

By Caroline Rees / 14 Feb 2014

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout

The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman Corporation have successfully flown a second MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter for the first time. Conducted at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., the flight will allow the team to ramp up testing efforts to prepare the system for operations.

Current tests are focused on validating the flight capabilities of the MQ-8C before ship-based flights take place this summer.

“The addition of the second MQ-8C means we can begin testing on more components and equipment needed to operate the system as an intelligence-gathering platform,” said George Vardoulakis, vice president for medium range tactical systems at Northrop Grumman. “This includes installing and conducting tests on the full sensor suite.”

Fire Scout uses on-board sensors to capture full-motion video, identify targets and then distribute the information in real time to various users. This allows ship-based commanders to maintain awareness of a specified area or keep an eye on a target of interest for long periods of time.

“Flight testing has been very successful since the system’s first flight Oct. 31,” said Vardoulakis. “We’ve completed 41 flights totaling 66 hours. This accomplishment points back to the maturity of the MQ-8C’s autonomous control systems that allow the aircraft to operate as an unmanned system.”

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.