UAV · VTOL unmanned helicopter
MQ-8C Fire Scout
Northrop Grumman · USA
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the larger Bell 407-based variant of the Fire Scout VTOL UAV providing reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting for the US Navy, with roughly twice the endurance and three times the payload of the MQ-8B.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | VTOL / Hybrid |
| Subtype | VTOL unmanned helicopter |
| Role | Maritime ISR and targeting VTOL UAV |
| Classification | Military VTOL UAS |
| Mission | ISR, reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, maritime |
| Datalink | TCDL / UHF/VHF datalinks |
| Variants | MQ-8B (Schweizer-based); MQ-8C (Bell 407-based) |
| MTOW (kg) | 2722 |
| Operators | United States Navy |
| Frame type | Helicopter / single-rotor |
| Length (m) | 12.6 |
| Propulsion | Rolls-Royce M250-C47E turboshaft (~522 kW) |
| Range (km) | 280 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | US Navy only |
| Launch method | vertical takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous flight with operator supervision |
| Endurance (min) | 720 |
| Recovery method | vertical landing |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Max payload (kg) | 318 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 257 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR turret, maritime radar |
| Production status | In service |
| Combat radius (km) | 280 |
| Service ceiling (m) | 4877 |
| Airframe / lift type | VTOL hybrid – quadplane |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| 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, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – MALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.northropgrumman.com