NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. – The Navy’s new, larger MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter returned from a five-day test period aboard USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) Dec. 19 after successfully completing its first ship-based flights off the Virginia coast.
The Fire Scout test team and Sailors aboard Dunham conducted dynamic interface testing with the MQ-8C to verify the system’s launch and recovery procedures before the system undergoes operational test next year.
“By better understanding ship operations, we will have a smoother transition into operational test,” said Capt. Jeff Dodge, Fire Scout program manager. “This exercise gives us insight into operating from an air-capable ship and will help us mitigate any risk associated with the system.”
During this underway period, the Fire Scout completed three flights and 32 takeoffs and recoveries. The data collected during these test events helped the team assess the system's performance at different combinations of wind and ship motion and get a better understanding of how the aircraft behaved around the ship, he said.
"This system has the potential to enhance the fleet's ability to conduct airborne-over the horizon searches and targeting that would expand a myriad of missions, while maintaining a conceivably small support element,” said Cmdr. Darren Dugan, commanding officer for DDG 109. “I'm excited to be part of this testing and evaluation period for the MQ-8C."
The MQ-8C Fire Scout is an upgrade to the existing “B” variant, which first deployed in 2009. With its larger airframe, the “C” can fly nearly twice as long and carry three times more payload than its predecessor.
The MQ-8C team is leveraging lessons learned from MQ-8B operations. The “B” variant has routinely flown from frigates and most recently from the littoral combat ship (LCS).
MQ-8C Fire Scout Completes First Ship-Based Test Period | Aero-News Network
The Navy’s new, larger MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter returned from a five-day test period aboard USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) Dec. 19 after successfully completing its first ship-based flights off the Virginia coast.
US Navy's MQ-8C Fire UAV completes maiden flight on USS Jason Dunham - Naval Technology
The latest flight, held off the Virginia coast, follows a year of land-based trials at Point Mugu, California, and involved 22 successful take-offs and 22 precision landings.
Naval Air Systems Command Fire Scout programme manager captain Jeff Dodge said: "The MQ-8C Fire Scout's flights from the USS Dunham represent a significant navy milestone.
GC, MQ-8C Fire Scout Takes First Flight On USS Jason Dunham | Aero-News Network
After more than a year of land-based testing at Point Mugu, California, the MQ-8C Fire Scout grew its sea legs, making 22 takeoffs and 22 precision landings while being controlled from the ship's ground control station.
"The MQ-8C Fire Scout's flights from the USS Dunham represent a significant Navy milestone. This is the first sea-based flight of the MQ-8C and the first time an unmanned helicopter has operated from a destroyer," said Capt. Jeff Dodge, Fire Scout program manager at Naval Air Systems Command. "The extended capabilities will offer the Navy a dynamic, multipurpose unmanned helicopter with increased endurance, allowing for our ship commanders and pilots to have a longer on station presence."
Previously:
World Defence News: Second Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV takes flight
Northrop Grumman Delivers Additional MQ-8C Fire Scout to the US Navy
San Diego CA (SPX) Nov 27, 2013 - Northrop Grumman has delivered the second MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to the U.S. Navy after completing final assembly at the company's unmanned systems center in Moss Point, Miss.
The aircraft is joining the first one delivered to Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif., to conduct flight testing before using the system for operational missions in 2014.
MQ-8C Fire Scout Completes First Flight
World Defence News: Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Complete First Flight of MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV
spendergast: Navy gets new Fire Scout helicopter UAV
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