The unmanned MQ-8C Fire Scout helicopter tests capabilities in flight demonstration
NewsAugust 26, 2015
POINT MUGU, Calif. The U.S. Navy tested Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout endurance capabilities during a flight demonstration. The flight lasted approximately 11 hours and ranged out to 150 nautical miles from the Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu.
The demonstration was conducted with the support of engineers from Northrop Grumman. It was part of a series of capability-based tests that validated operations and performance parameters, according to Northrop Grumman officials.
"Endurance flights provide a full evaluation of the MQ-8C Fire Scout systems," said Capt. Jeff Dodge, program manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command. "We can better understand the capability of the system and look at crew tasks and interactions in a controlled environment. This will allow us to adjust operational procedures to maximize the system's effectiveness."
Operational assessment for the MQ-8A Fire Scout is planned for later this year.
