MQ-8 Fire Scout VTUAV Program: By Land or By Sea
Latest update [?]
Expecting a sunset?
June 15/20: Cybersecurity Scientific Systems won a $9.6 million order, which provides for continuing improvement of the software development processes to enhance cybersecurity and software safety for the Image Based Navigation for Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Shipboard Landing program in support of the MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Air Vehicle. This is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III for research and development performed under the SBIR topic numbers N112-127, N03-025 and AF06-149. The MQ-8 Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system is comprised of ground control stations, up to three MQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicles, and associated control handling and support equipment. The VTUAV system is designed to operate from air-capable ships with initial deployment on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and will provide a significant improvement to organic surveillance capability. Work will take place in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Estimated completion date is June 2023.
The above update is a recent abstract from our full article, itself part of our subscription offering. Keep reading to know more.
MQ-8B Fire Scout
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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, and the base platform is changing.
The question is, can the MQ-8 leverage its size, first-mover contract opportunity, and “good enough” performance into a secure future with the US Navy – and beyond? DID describes these new VTUAV platforms, clarifies the program’s structure and colorful history, lists all related contracts and events, and offers related research materials.
MQ-8: The Platform
MQ-8B Fire Scout
MQ-8C: Is Bigger Better?
MQ-8: The Program
MQ-8: Past and Future
Fire Scout Contracts & Key Events
FY 2015 – 2020
FY 2014
FY 2013
FY 2012
FY 2011
FY 2010
FY 2009
FY 2008
FY 2007
FY 2005 – 2006
FY 2000 – 2004
Additional Readings & Sources
Background: Fire Scout
VTUAV Alternatives
News & Views
MQ-8B Fire Scout
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S-100, armed
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MQ-8C test
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Navy MQ-8B CONOPS
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MQ-8A firing Hydra
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Bringing it in…
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Expecting a sunset?
June 15/20: Cybersecurity Scientific Systems
won a $9.6 million
order, which provides for continuing improvement of the
software development processes to enhance cybersecurity and
software safety for the Image Based Navigation for Vertical
Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Shipboard Landing program in support of the
MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Air Vehicle. This is a Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III for research
and development performed under the SBIR topic numbers
N112-127, N03-025 and AF06-149. The MQ-8 Fire Scout Vertical
Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system
is comprised of ground control stations, up to three MQ-8B
Fire Scout air vehicles, and associated control handling and
support equipment. The VTUAV system is designed to operate
from air-capable ships with initial deployment on the
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and will provide a significant
improvement to organic surveillance capability. Work will
take place in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Estimated
completion date is June 2023.
December 11/19: AN/ZPY-8 Northrop Grumman
Systems won a $9.1 million
delivery order in support of the
MQ-8C Firescout Unmanned Aircraft System. This order is
for the production and delivery of eight AN/ZPY-8 radar
modification kits, eight forward access panel modification
kits and all associated non-recurring engineering and
qualification efforts in support of mission processor unit
upgrades. Firescout is an autonomous helicopter system
that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance,
Reconnaissance, and Target-acquisition (ISR&T), laser
designation, and battle management to tactical users without
relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. It has the
ability operate from any air-capable ship or land base in
support persistent ISR&T requirements. There are two Fire
Scout variants. The smaller MQ-8B Fire Scout has deployed on
multiple frigates and is currently deployed on a Littoral
Combat Ship. MQ-8B Fire Scout has also deployed to
Afghanistan to support counter- improvised explosive device
(IED) operations. The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the Navy’s next
generation autonomous helicopter. The MQ-8C will be equipped
with an upgraded radar that allows for a larger field of view
and a range of digital modes including weather detection,
air-to-air targeting, and a ground moving target indicator
(GMTI). Work will take place in California, Texas, and
Philadelphia. Estimated completion will be in April
2021.
Fire-X (MQ-8C) test
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MQ-8B, Afghanistan
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MQ-8B in Afghanistan
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Fire-X: MQ-8C?
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Corrosion check
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RQ-8A: Tow me, launch me.
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RQ-8A & LPD-13
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Approach.
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Touchdown.
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General Dynamics Team
Trimaran LCS Design
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Trimaran LCS Design
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