MQ-8C Fire Scout

MQ-8C Fire Scout is a ship-based uncrewed helicopter designed to extend naval airborne surveillance and targeting reach.

Facts

  • Company: Northrop Grumman
  • Type: Tactical Isr Drone
  • Positioning: Ship-based uncrewed helicopter
  • Function: Extend naval airborne surveillance and targeting reach
  • Audience: Naval aviation operators
  • Status: Commercial
  • Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/aircraft/fire-scout

About

About MQ-8C Fire Scout

MQ-8C Fire Scout is ship-based uncrewed helicopter developed for extend naval airborne surveillance and targeting reach. Its uncrewed aircraft and rotary wing and vtol configuration supports operation in outdoor operations, defense operations, maritime operations environments.

The manufacturer positions the platform for naval aviation operators. This profile treats MQ-8C Fire Scout as the exact named physical system and does not merge sibling variants, payload configurations or broader product-family imagery.

Specifications

  • Aircraft Class: Ship- and land-capable autonomous helicopter based on the Bell 407 airframe
  • Length: 34.7 ft
  • Aircraft Weight: 3,200 lb zero-fuel weight; 6,000 lb with standard-day fuel and payload
  • Payload Capacity: More than 700 lb
  • Endurance: 12 hours on a standard day with a 300 lb payload
  • Range: 150 nautical miles
  • Max Speed: 135 kt
  • Cruise Speed: 115 kt

Market context

Naval aviation operators

  • Peer Group: Shipborne unmanned helicopter ISR UAV
  • Workflow: Tactical ISR drone
  • CAMCOPTER S-100 - Schiebel - Tactical Isr UAV

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