MQ-8 Fire Scout, unmanned autonomous helicopter, Northrop Grumman Corporation, West Falls Church, Virginia, USA

The initial RQ-8A version was based on the Schweizer 330, while the enhanced MQ-8B was derived from the Schweizer 333. The larger MQ-8C variant is based on the Bell 407.

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The Northrop Grumman-built MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter successfully completed its first flight on Oct. 31 from Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the U.S. Navy's Fire Scout program that includes the combat-proven MQ-8B and the next-generation MQ-8C variant. The MQ-8C provides the Navy with increased endurance, range, and payload capacity.

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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 12, 2014) An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 takes off from the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) during visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training off the coast of Southern California. The training marked the first time a littoral combat ship, an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter and an SH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter conducted integrated VBSS training. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

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A MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter lands on a slanted platform to simulate what it's like to land on a ship at sea during tests at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California. Known as “sloped” landings, this effort will prepare Fire Scout for future at-sea tests.

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An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned autonomous helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 Detachment 1 lifts off of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) for flight operations. The MQ-8 Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.

The aviation detachment aboard Fort Worth consists of one MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and one MQ-8B that compliments the MH-60R by extending the range and endurance thereby enhancing maritime domain awareness. Fort Worth departed its homeport of San Diego Nov. 17 for a 16-month rotational deployment to Singapore in support of the Navy’s strategic rebalance to the Pacific.

Film Credits: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Antonio P. Turretto Ramos and Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Gregory Kazeleski

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Coast Guard Research and Development Center scientists are assessing unmanned aircraft system operations from a national security cutter during a two-week demonstration begun Dec. 4, 2014. On the first day of testing, 22 successful flights were conducted from Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf. Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Clayton | U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

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