U.S. Navy deploys Fire Scout | Aviation International News

U.S. Navy deploys Fire Scout

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout, a vertical takeoff unmanned air system (VTUAS), began its first operational deployment with the U.S.

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

November 15, 2009

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout, a vertical takeoff unmanned air system (VTUAS), began its first operational deployment with the U.S. Navy last month. Two vehicles are currently embarked on the guided-missile frigate U.S.S. McInerney (FFG 8) for a six-month cruise operating alongside a Sikorsky SH-60B on counter-drug operations in the eastern Pacific. Compatibility trials with the frigate got under way last December.

This cruise is being undertaken in advance of the Navy’s formal operational evaluation (opeval), which is to be undertaken early next year. Opeval will begin with land-based trials before the campaign heads to sea. Also next year, the MQ-8B is due to begin tests aboard the lead ship of Lockheed Martin’s littoral combat ship (LCS) class–the U.S.S. Freedom (LCS 1). Two classes of LCS are being evaluated and they are to be the principal platforms on which the Fire Scout is to be fielded.

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