MQ-8C Fire Scout

The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Navy. Based on the Bell 407 airframe, it can take off and land vertically without requiring a conventional runway. This made it particularly suitable for Littoral Combat Ships and other naval platforms capable of supporting helicopter operations.

The MQ-8C completed its first flight in 2013 and achieved initial operational capability on 28 June 2019. However, bringing the system into regular fleet service and integrating it with shipboard operations took longer than originally expected. Its first operational ship deployment began aboard USS Milwaukee on 14 December 2021, while earlier shipboard flights were part of the testing and development process.

With a maximum speed of 135 knots, a cruise speed of 115 knots and an endurance of up to 12 hours, the MQ-8C supported maritime surveillance, target tracking and reconnaissance missions through electro-optical and infrared cameras, laser systems and maritime surveillance radar. Despite these capabilities, LCS integration, procurement planning and budget priorities limited the number of ships that used the system operationally. The Fire Scout therefore experienced a relatively short and limited fleet service period rather than the broad deployment originally envisioned.