MQ-8C now initial operation capable

The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter on June 28. It clears the way for the unmanned air vehicle to begin fleet operations and training. The MQ-8C is to deploy aboard the Navy's littoral combat ships in FY2021, and is intended for intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as precision targeting. The airframe is the commercial Bell 407, with seats and other manned avionics equipment stripped out and replaced with remote controls and extra fuel tanks. Over the next few years, Northrop Grumman plans to deliver 38 MQ-8Cs to the Navy. (Sources: Flightglobal, Inside Defense, 07/08/19) Gulf Coast note: Final assembly and flight testing of the MQ-8C is done in Moss Point, Miss.