MQ-8C wraps up assessment

The Navy and Northrop Grumman have completed a three-week operational assessment of the MQ-8C Fire Scout at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, Calif. It included 11 flights for a total of 83.4 flight hours, in which the Fire Scout unmanned helicopter was assessed for its performance, endurance and reliability against maritime and surveyed land targets. The C model is an upgraded, larger version of the MQ-8B Fire Scout, currently deployed on the USS Fort Worth. The smaller Fire Scout has flown more than 16,000 hours and has also demonstrated the ability to operate alongside the MH-60 manned helicopter during ship-based operations. (Source: Naval Technology, 12/02/15) Gulf Coast note: Final assembly of the Fire Scout is done by Northrop Grumman in Moss Point, Miss.