The MQ-8C Fire Scout has been tested for a variety of purposes, such as mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and communications relay.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout drone emerged from the Navy’s need for a more capable unmanned helicopter to replace the earlier MQ-8B variant, which was based on the smaller Schweizer 333 airframe. Initially known as “Fire-X” during its developmental phase, the MQ-8C was introduced to overcome the limitations of its predecessor—notably in endurance and payload.
Indeed, the MQ-8C, built on the proven Bell 407 civilian helicopter airframe, combines commercial reliability with cutting-edge autonomous technology. Despite its “cool” factor of being an unmanned helicopter that is only a decade old, the Navy plans on retiring the MQ-8Cs by 2026.
All About the “Fire Scout” Drone
Designed by defense contractor Northrop Gruman in collaboration with Bell Helicopter, the MQ-8C integrated the avionics and autonomous systems from the MQ-8B into the airframe of the aforementioned Bell 407. The program’s story began back in 2010, when Northrop announced plans to modify a Bell 407 for autonomous mission sets.
The Fire-X prototype completed its first flight on December 20, 2010, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona. In April 2012, the Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $262.3 million contract to build the MQ-8C, with an initial order for two developmental and six low-rate production aircraft.
This system’s first flight was on October 31, 2013, and achieved initial operational capability (IOC) on June 28, 2019.
MQ-8C’s design features a four-bladed main rotor and a two-bladed tail rotor, powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E engine, which provides a five percent increase in power, two percent reduced fuel consumption, with enhanced reliability (when compared with earlier models).
This unmanned helo, which looks more like something from the Terminator franchise than anything else, has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds. Its payload capacity exceeds 700 pounds, and it can carry a maximum sling load of 2,650 pounds.
The MQ-8C offers up to 12 hours of endurance and a range of 172 miles, doubling the on-station time of its predecessor. This allows for extended over-the-horizon surveillance and targeting, critical for maritime operations in complex littoral environments.
There are a variety of payloads this unmanned helicopter supports. Among them, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, laser range finders, and the Leonardo AN/ZPY-8 (Osprey) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The Osprey radar provides a 240-degree field of view, enabling long-range target detection in all weather conditions, with models for weather detection, air-to-air targeting, and ground moving target indications (GMTI).
This bird can autonomously take off and land on ships or unprepared landing zones, controlled via a ground control station or the portable Mission Control Station (MCS-P). This flexibility supports rapid deployment in austere environments.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout has been tested for a variety of purposes, such as mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and communications relay. During a 2021 demonstration, for example, one of these systems was equipped with Ultra sonobuoys for ASW, and the Navy has explored integrating the AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) system for mine detection.
All these capabilities make the MQ-8C a force multiplier, enabling the manned assets of the Navy to focus on higher-priority tasks while the Fire Scout handles persistent surveillance and targeting. Its integration with manned-unmanned teaming concepts enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency.
The Pentagon Has Better Drones in the Pipeline
Indeed, the Fire Scout’s effectiveness is yet another sign that the U.S. military, like the other advanced militaries of the world, is speeding toward the embrace of increasingly advanced drone systems designed to do more.
In many respects, despite its unique capabilities, the Navy’s underutilization of this system before deciding to retire the MQ-8C in the next two years represents a missed opportunity. At the same time, though, there are other, more advanced unmanned systems in the Navy’s pipeline.
And the lessons learned from the MQ-8C are invaluable. This system is proof-positive that a real, permanent shift is occurring in military affairs—and that shift is increasingly toward unmanned systems.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Andrew Harker.
