MQ-8C beats previous endurance record
The US Navy and Northrop Grumman have demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter, the company announced on 25 August.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout set a new record of 11 hours - with over an hour of fuel in reserve - on a flight test that covered 150 nautical miles from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu.
The navy conducted the long-endurance, long-range flight as part of a series of capability-based tests, to validate the navy's previously tested performance parameters and concept of operations. The demonstration was supported by Northrop Grumman engineers.
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is designed to provide persistent reconnaissance, precision targeting and situational awareness support for sea, air and ground forces. It completed its developmental flight test programme earlier in 2015. The operational assessment is planned for later in the year.
Capt Jeff Dodge, programme manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command, said: 'Endurance flights provide a full evaluation of the MQ-8C Fire Scout systems. We can better understand the capability of the system and look at crew tasks and interactions in a controlled environment. This will allow us to adjust operational procedures to maximise the system's effectiveness.'
George Vardoulakis, vice president, medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman, said: 'Today's MQ-8C Fire Scout performance matches our model exactly. With adjustments, our production aircraft will have 12 hours of total endurance on a standard day. This prolonged endurance gives the navy's commanders a tremendous operational advantage. Increased time-on-station and fewer launch and recovery cycles better enables the navy's diverse missions.'
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