MQ-8C Fire Scout Completes First Sea-Based Test Phase

By Caroline Rees / 07 Jan 2015

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST
MQ-8C Fire Scout

The MQ-8C Fire Scout prepares to land on the guided-missile destroyer, USS Jason Dunham (Photo by Northrop Grumman)

The Navy’s new, larger MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has returned from a five-day test period aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham, after successfully completing its first ship-based flights off the Virginia coast.

The Fire Scout test team and sailors aboard Dunham conducted dynamic interface testing with the MQ-8C to verify the system’s launch and recovery procedures before the system undergoes operational test next year.

“By better understanding ship operations, we will have a smoother transition into operational test,” said Capt. Jeff Dodge, Fire Scout program manager. “This exercise gives us insight into operating from an air-capable ship and will help us mitigate any risk associated with the system.”

During this underway period, the Fire Scout completed three flights and 32 takeoffs and recoveries. The data collected during these test events helped the team assess the system’s performance at different combinations of wind and ship motion and get a better understanding of how the aircraft behaved around the ship, he said.

MQ-8C Fire Scout

The MQ-8C Fire Scout sits on the deck of the guided-missile destroyer, USS Jason Dunham (Photo by Northrop Grumman)

“This system has the potential to enhance the fleet’s ability to conduct airborne-over the horizon searches and targeting that would expand a myriad of missions, while maintaining a conceivably small support element,” said Cmdr. Darren Dugan, commanding officer for DDG 109. “I’m excited to be part of this testing and evaluation period for the MQ-8C.”

The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an upgrade to the existing “B” variant, which first deployed in 2009. With its larger airframe, the “C” can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more payload than its predecessor.

The MQ-8C team is leveraging lessons learned from MQ-8B operations. The “B” variant has routinely flown from frigates and most recently from the littoral combat ship (LCS).

Since most of the MQ-8Cs components are identical to the “B” variant, the team has high confidence that it will operate effectively from the ship, Dodge said. The system performed “very well” during the yearlong ground-based tests in Point Mugu, California so he anticipates seamless integration with Dunham this week.

Teamed with the manned MH-60 helicopter, the MQ-8 Fire Scout extends the range and endurance of ship-based operations. It provides unique situational awareness and precision target support for the Navy.

In addition to 30 MQ-8Bs that have been delivered by Northrop Grumman, the Navy plans to procure a total of 40 MQ-8Cs to support LCS and other air-capable ships.

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

New Quartz Accelerometers for Industrial Applications Unveiled

Micro-Magic launches AC-6 quartz flexure accelerometers for demanding unmanned applications operating in high-temperature, high-vibration industrial environments

May 13, 2025
Advantages of Forward Looking Sonar: Q&A with FarSounder

Jake Palmer from FarSounder delves into the advantages of forward looking sonar, emerging trends, and highlights the environmental impact of their technology

May 13, 2025
GA-ASI’s Next Generation RPAS Meets Stringent Airworthiness Standards

The UK has certified the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 UAS based on GA-ASI's MQ-9B, marking a major milestone in airworthiness for large, unmanned aircraft systems

May 13, 2025
CENTUM to Provide Signal Intelligence Systems for Maritime Drone Surveillance

Marine Instruments and CENTUM are collaborating to equip the M5D-Airfox drone with airborne signal intelligence, enhancing maritime surveillance and rescue missions

May 13, 2025
Textron Uncrewed Technologies Strengthen Littoral Combat Ship Operations

Learn how the integration of Aerosonde UAS and CUSV is transforming Littoral Combat Ship missions with enhanced versatility, autonomy, and operational reach

May 13, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025

Featured Content

SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
New Tactical Grade IMU from Inertial Labs for UAVs & Guided Munitions

Inertial Labs has launched the IMU-H100, a compact, tactical-grade MEMS IMU designed to enhance precision navigation for UAVs and guided systems

May 08, 2025
Geolocation in GPS-Denied Environments Successfully Demonstrated

Trillium Engineering's GD-Loc, integrated with the HD55-MV gimbal on a Group 2 UAS, has successfully demonstrated sustained Category 1 geolocation accuracy within six meters, highlighting its critical advantage for precise ISR missions in GPS-denied environments

May 06, 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.