Navy receives first MQ-8C Fire Scout

The Navy has received its first operational MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter.

The MQ-8C is an upgraded MQ-8B Fire Scout with a larger airframe. "It can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads," said a Northrop Grumman announcement.

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The Navy will use the UAV just delivered to conduct the first ship-board flight tests aboard the destroyer USS Jason Dunham will be conducted this winter, followed by an assessment of how to use the MQ-8C for operational purposes.

"The test program will run through the summer as we expect these aircraft to be ready for operations by year's end," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman's vice president for medium-range tactical systems.

Northrop Grumman has a contract to build 19 of the MQ-8C version, including two test aircraft.

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