Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout
| MQ-8 Fire Scout | |
|---|---|
| An MQ-8B Fire Scout completes first biofuel flight at Webster Field, September 2011 | |
| General information | |
| Type | UAV helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Status | Retired (RQ-8A, MQ-8B) |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 30 (MQ-8B) |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 2009 (MQ-8B) |
| First flight | 2000 |
| Retired | 2022 |
| Developed from | Schweizer 330 and 333 |
| Variants | Sikorsky S-434 |
| Developed into | Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout |
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The Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The initial RQ-8A version was based on the Schweizer 330, while the enhanced MQ-8B was derived from the Schweizer 333. The larger MQ-8C Fire Scout variant is based on the Bell 407.
In February 2018, 23 MQ-8Bs were in service with the U.S. Navy. The MQ-8B was retired from service in October 2022.