Fire Scout Problems Delay Full Fielding | Aviation International News

Fire Scout Problems Delay Full Fielding

An MQ-8B Fire Scout approaches the deck of a U.S. Navy frigate at sea. The full fielding of this innovative UAS has been delayed. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

November 30, 2012

Although already deployed on operations to meet urgent needs, the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned surveillance helicopter has reliability and sustainability problems that have delayed its regular fielding. An updated selected acquisition report (SAR) obtained by InsideDefense.com reveals that both the initial operational capability and the full-rate production decision have been delayed by about two years until May or June 2014. Another factor in the delays is the Pentagon’s decision to rapidly develop and deploy the larger MQ-8C version for U.S. Special Forces, based on the Bell 407.

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