The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout is an autonomous VTOL unmanned helicopter (based on the Schweizer 333) for the US Navy, performing ISR, targeting and ship-based operations.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | VTOL / Hybrid |
| Subtype | VTOL unmanned helicopter (UAS) |
| Role | Shipborne autonomous ISR/VTOL |
| Classification | VTOL UAS |
| Mission | ISR, maritime surveillance, target acquisition, naval support |
| Datalink | TCDL, UHF/Ku-band |
| Variants | RQ-8A; MQ-8B; MQ-8C (Bell 407-based) |
| MTOW (kg) | 1430 |
| Operators | US Navy |
| Frame type | Helicopter / single-rotor |
| Length (m) | 7.3 |
| Propulsion | Single Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft |
| Range (km) | 204 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Limited |
| Launch method | VTOL |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous (VTOL takeoff/landing) |
| Endurance (min) | 480 |
| Recovery method | VTOL, ship-deck recovery |
| Year introduced | 2009 |
| Max payload (kg) | 270 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 213 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR (Brite Star II), laser designator, maritime radar |
| Production status | In service (transitioning to MQ-8C) |
| Notable engagements | One shot down over Libya (2011); extensive maritime ISR |
| Service ceiling (m) | 6100 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Afghanistan, Libya, anti-piracy ops |
| Airframe / lift type | VTOL hybrid – quadplane |
| Control / autonomy level | Fully autonomous (human-off-the-loop, AI-navigated) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Medium range (150–650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – MALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |