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| An MQ-8B Fire Scout UAS is tested off the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf near Los Angeles, Dec. 5 2014. |
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| (USCGC) Bertholf (WMSL 750) |
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The U.S. Navy completed an MQ-8B Fire Scout demonstration aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf (WMSL 750) on Dec. 12 as part of the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to assess the potential for future unmanned air system (UAS) operations from the 418-foot National Security Cutter class.
The 10-day demonstration off the coast of Southern California met all the Coast Guard’s objectives, performing launch and recovery operations, conducting various simulated search patterns and transmitting data and imagery.
MQ-8B Fire Scout flies from US Coast Guard cutter - News - Shephard
Carried out by Northrop Grumman, the US Navy and the US Coast Guard, the flight was part of work to demonstrate the MQ-8B Fire Scout’s mission flexibility. The coast guard will use the results of the demonstration to inform decisions on how to proceed with the acquisition of UAS and plan their future use.
The UAS was controlled and operated from a Fire Scout control station located on the Bertholf by navy pilots and coast guard personnel throughout the flight.
George Vardoulakis, vice president for medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: ‘The MQ-8B Fire Scout is the navy's combat-proven unmanned helicopter, and can provide the same persistent maritime surveillance capabilities for the coast guard. I'm confident that we'll demonstrate increased NSC effectiveness while lowering the coast guard's operational costs.’
The US Navy deploys the MQ-8B on frigates and littoral combat ships where it significantly increases the surveillance range and capabilities of vessels. The MQ-8B system has completed more than 14,000 flight hours and 5,300 sorties.
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