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| The MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter sits on the flight line at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif., prior to conducting the first engine runs of the system on Sept. 20. A Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy test team is collecting data to ensure that all of the aircraft's systems are functioning and communicating properly prior to its first flight. (Photo by Chad Slattery) |
Monday, September 23, 2013
MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter
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pretty cool, but the Marines already have their unmanned K-Max running around Afghanistan delivering supplies.
ReplyDeleteIts predecessor MQ-8B has been used by the Navy for anti-piracy and in Libya, and has accumulated 5,000 flight hours in Afghanistan. Fire Scouts at sea regularly fly 18 hours per day while providing a 12-hour real-time intelligence services. Plans are to employ the B on LCS.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to smaller drones the likes of the Boeing_A160_Hummingbird, admittedly not going to fullfill ASW roles they could be very good for counter piracy/SAR/spec ops. With the focus on Littoral Combat you would think there would be a focus on such systems.
ReplyDeleteThis is a big bird compared to 8B model, but I guess they need the payload capacity. I still think all these aircraft and the like should be called Remotely Piloted Vehicles = RPV which more accurately defines their operating mode.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is still Plexiglas under that gray paint? ~~ Any idea what the frame underneath is for?