U.S. Naval Air Defense Systems Command announced that the Navy’s Fire Reconnaissance Ship MQ-8C recently supported an Advanced Base Expeditionary Expedition (EABO) exercise off the coast of California, demonstrate the ability to switch from ship to shore in a marine environment.
The MQ-8C Fire Scout participated in the Resolute Hunter exercise from June 21 to July 1, flying a total of 23 hours and demonstrating the expeditionary capabilities of the drone helicopter from the ground. on and on multiple ship classes.
Resolute Hunter is a joint and coalition exercise focused on training personnel in battle management, command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
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“The Fire Scout is the Navy’s only unmanned helicopter capable of deploying from ship or landing with ISR&T at the extended range needed for future wars,” Capt. Dennis Monagle, Fire Scout program manager said. “Systems are important in using expeditionary force for situational awareness and critical decision making.”
During the exercise, Marine Combat Helicopter Squadron (HSC) 23 successfully launched the MQ-8C Fire Scout from Point Mugu and completed the transfer to the detachment’s Mobile Mission Control Station (MCS-P) at San Clemente Island. The mobile MCS-P ground control station keeps the Fire Scout grounded in austere locations on land, operating a helipad in an advanced location, and providing logistical support from the flight decks.
With the versatile MCS-P, the Fire Scout has the ability to land on another ship or a location on the expedition shore where a runway is not feasible.
Fire Scout is currently deployed aboard the USS Jackson (LCS-6) in the Indo-Pacific region. The Navy plans to continue deploying on the LCS with future deployments planned on Constellation-class guided-missile frigates and potential operations from ashore locations under the EABO concept. .
