Debut deployment and future capabilities spark MQ-8C export interest
A MQ-8C Fire Scout takes off from the USS Milwaukee's flight deck (Photo: US Navy)
Now that the MQ-8C Fire Scout has entered service and with a variety of new capabilities potentially being integrated on the aircraft, export orders could soon be on their way.
Export interest in the MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV Is growing after its recent introduction into USN service and amid plans by Northrop Grumman to add new ASW and MCM capabilities to the aircraft.
First deployed with USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) on 14 December 2021 to support counter-narcotics operations together with an MH-60S Seahawk naval helicopter within the US 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility, the MQ-8C has been upgraded from the older Bravo model.
The newer variant features an increased payload capacity, greater endurance and integration with the Leonardo Osprey 30 AESA radar (designated the AN/ZPY-8 in USN service).
‘One of the pacing items
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Leonardo showcases new AWHero developments at SeaFuture 2023]()
Leonardo showcases new AWHero developments at SeaFuture 2023
At SeaFuture 2023 in La Spezia, Italy, Leonardo showcased new AWHero rotary-wing UAS (RWUAS) developments, touting its maritime operations capabilities.
-
![Third order for German 2-in-1 drone for Ukraine]()
Third order for German 2-in-1 drone for Ukraine
On 31 May, Quantum Systems announced that the Ukrainian MoD had ordered 300 additional Vector drones under a third order that the German government is funding.
-
![US Army moves forward on future tactical UAS without AeroVironment]()
US Army moves forward on future tactical UAS without AeroVironment
AeroVironment has been dropped from the hunt to provide the US Army with a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS), leaving Griffon Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada and Textron Systems in the running.
-
![Navantia, SAES and Perseo to jointly develop line of uncrewed underwater vehicles]()
Navantia, SAES and Perseo to jointly develop line of uncrewed underwater vehicles
At FEINDEF in Madrid, Navantia, SAES and Perseo announced an intention to develop a line of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
