MQ-8 Fire Scout VTUAV Program: By Land or By Sea
May 09, 2012 15:36 EDT
A helicopter UAV is very handy for naval ships, and for armies who can’t always depend on runways. The USA’s RQ/MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has blazed a trail of firsts in this area, but its history is best described as “colorful.” The program was begun by the US Navy, canceled, adopted by the US Army, revived by the Navy, then canceled by the Army. Leaving it back in the hands of the US Navy. Though the Army is thinking about joining again.
The question is, can the MQ-8B leverage its small size, proven status, and “good enough” performance into a secure future with the US Navy – and beyond? DID describes this new VTUAV platform, clarifies the program’s structure and colorful history, lists related contracts and events over the program’s entire history, and offers related research materials…
- MQ-8: The Platform
- MQ-8: The Program
- Fire Scout Contracts & Key Events, full history [updated]
- Additional Readings & Sources
One Source: Hundreds of programs; Thousands of links, photos, and analyses
DII brings a complete collection of articles with original reporting and research, and expert analyses of events to your desktop - no need for multiple modules, or complex subscriptions. All supporting documents, links, & appendices accompany each article.
Benefits
- Save time
- Eliminate your blind spots
- Get the big picture, quickly
- Keep up with the important facts
- Stay on top of your projects or your competitors
Features
- Coverage of procurement and doctrine issues
- Timeline of past and future program events
- Comprehensive links to other useful resources


