Mission
The MQ-8 Fire Scout system is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.
The MQ-8B can operate from air-capable ships with deployments on Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
The MQ-8C air vehicle upgrade will provide longer endurance, range and greater payload capability than the MQ-8B . It will conduct initial testing on guided-missile destroyers (DDG)-class ship.
Graphical representation of the differences between the MQ-8B and MQ-8C
MQ-8B Fire Scout
The Fire Scout unmanned air system is comprised of up to three MQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicles, ground control stations, and associated control handling and support equipment. With vehicle endurance greater than eight hours, a system will be capable of twelve continuous hours of operations providing coverage 110 nautical miles from the launch site.
More InformationMQ-8C Fire Scout
The MQ-8C, with a larger air vehicle than the MQ-8B, has a range of 150 nautical miles and a payload capacity of more than 700 pounds. MQ-8C will require fewer aircraft to operate at maximum performance and will meet an U.S. Africa and Special Operation Commands urgent needs requirement.
More Information
Program Office Description
PMA-266 is NAVAIR's Program office for Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Responsible to Program Executive Office, Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, the program offices has cognizance over the Vertical Takeoff and Land Tactical UAV (VTUAV), commonly known as Fire Scout. The program office is also responsible for the emerging area of Air Launched UASs, poised to transition this developmental capability to a production fleet capability.
Point of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
PEO(U&W) Public Affairs Officer
47123 Buse Rd, Bldg. 2272, Suite 246
Patuxent River, Md. 20670-1547
(301) 757-9703
Program Manager