Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout
| MQ-8C Fire Scout | |
|---|---|
| An MQ-8C landing at NAS Point Mugu | |
| General information | |
| Type | UAV helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman Bell Helicopter |
| Status | Development testing |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 38 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 2019 |
| First flight | 2013 |
| Developed from | Bell 407 Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout |
The Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout (known as the Fire-X during development) is an unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Navy. The MQ-8C also has autonomous take-off and landing capability. It is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The MQ-8C airframe is based on the Bell 407, while the avionics and other systems are developed from those used on the MQ-8B Fire Scout. It first flew in October 2013 and achieved initial operational capability on 28 June 2019.