US deploys MQ-8C Fire Scout helicopter aboard littoral combat ship in Indo-Pacific

Asia-Pacific, News, US May 29, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Navy deployed its unmanned, runway-independent helicopter MQ-8C Fire Scout aboard USS Jackson (LCS-6) to Indo-Pacific.

This is the second operational deployment and first deployment of the Northrop Grumman’s helicopter to the Indo-Pacific Area of Responsibility.

According to the Northrop Grumman release, the MQ-8C Fire Scout would provide military commanders with greater maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T) capability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy Captain Dennis Monagle said that “The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an extremely flexible unmanned aerial system and a pillar in the Navy and Marine Corps unmanned campaign plan. While Fire Scout will still be active on remaining littoral combat ships, the system is being built into the Constellation-class frigate design, most notably the USS Constellation (FFG-62), as well as other ship classes.”

U.S. Navy’s next-generation autonomous helicopter MQ-8C Fire Scout had been deployed on littoral combat ships and is expected to be deployed on Constellation-class guided-missile frigates in the future. The Navy also plans to deploy the unmanned helicopter for “operations from shore sites under the Expeditionary Advance Base Operations concept, including potential logistics cargo role.” According to Northrop Grumman, the potential future roles for the MQ-8C include mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare.

According to Lance Eischeid, Director of the Fire Scout program at Northrop Grumman, “The MQ-8C Fire Scout’s initial deployment was aboard USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) in the Caribbean Sea. MQ-8C Fire Scout provided increased maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) capability that contributed greatly to the success of the U.S. Navy’s counter-narcotics operations.”

*^{U.S. Navy’s unmanned helicopter MQ-8C Fire Scout. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman)}*

The next-generation helicopter would also provide critical decision-making, and support advanced capabilities including “demonstrating manned-unmanned teaming, enabling sensor information sharing across a distributed force, further increasing survivability, reducing risk to and burden on manned aircraft, and enhancing weapons capacity.”

“Fire Scout is furthering the successful integration of unmanned platforms and manned assets at sea,” the company’s release added.

The Northrop Grumman statement also highlighted that the autonomous helicopter system provides responsive, reliable, and real-time surveillance capabilities and operates from both air-capable ships and developed or austere landing zones. It can also operate at extended ranges required for future warfighting activities.