The Next Generation Helicopter Drone, MQ-8C Fire Scout, Replacement for MQ-8B Fire Scout, US Navy

The Next Generation Helicopter Drone, MQ-8C Fire Scout, Replacement for MQ-8B Fire Scout, US Navy

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout (known as the Fire-X during development) is an unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Navy. The MQ-8C also has autonomous take-off and landing capability. It is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The MQ-8C airframe is based on the Bell 407, while the avionics and other systems are developed from those used on the MQ-8B Fire Scout. It first flew in October 2013 and achieved initial operational capability on 28 June 2019.

General characteristics

Crew: 0
Capacity: 2,950 lb (1,338 kg)
Length: 34 ft 8 in (10.6 m)
Height: 10 ft 11 in (3.3 m)
Max takeoff weight: 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce 250-C47B , 813 shp (606 kW)
Main rotor diameter: 36 ft 7 in (11.2 m)

Performance

Maximum speed: 140 kn (160 mph, 260 km/h)
Endurance: 15 hours maximum
Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)

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