Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MQ-8C Cleared for Operations
The Bell 407-based unmanned air system is now ready to begin training crews for fleet operations
An MQ-8C undergoes trials at the Webster Field Annex, part of the Patuxent River test and evaluation center in Maryland. (photo: U.S. Navy)
An MQ-8C undergoes trials at the Webster Field Annex, part of the Patuxent River test and evaluation center in Maryland. (photo: U.S. Navy)

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved initial operational capability on June 28, the U.S. Navy announced on July 8. With this hurdle cleared, the rotary-wing unmanned air system (RWUAS) can begin fleet operations and training.

“This milestone is a culmination of several years of hard work and dedication from our joint government and industry team,” said Captain Eric Soderberg, the U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout program manager. “We are excited to get this enhanced capability out to the fleet.” The program is managed by the Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems office (PMA-266) in Naval Air Systems Command.

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