Northrop Grumman completes fit check for MQ-8C Scout
Fire Scout aboard the USS Anchorage. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has announced that its new MQ-8C Scout has passed a successful fit check at Naval Base San Diego.
Northrop Grumman has completed a successful fit check for the MQ-8C Fire Scout aboard the USS Anchorage at Naval Base San Diego.
The fit check demonstrates the aircraft’s suitability for amphibious warfare missions with the USMC.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the USN’s only ship-based autonomous helicopter. It features an integrated AN/ZPY-radar and is expected to reach IOC in this new configuration this summer, at which point it will begin to replace MQ-8B aircraft on upcoming deployments.
The MQ-8C provides greater range, endurance and payload capacity than the MQ-8B.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the main payloads for the platform are an EO/IR/laser designator range finder, Automatic Identification System, voice communications relay, radar, weapons and other speciality payloads.
A deployed MQ-8 system includes AV payloads, MCS (with TCS and TCDL integrated for interoperability), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Automatic Recovery Systems for automatic launch and recovery, associated spares and support equipment.
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