The Fire Scout is a diesel- or JP8-powered unmanned helicopter that adds unmatched capability to the U.S. military. It combines a proven turboshaft engine and airframe with state-of-the-art electronics, which are able to provide targeting support and situational awareness. Officially known as a Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System (VTUAV), the program started back in February 2000 when Northrop Grumman won a U.S. Navy development contract. The Fire Scout MQ-8B is based on the Schweizer Model 333 manned helicopter. December 17, 2003 was the 100th anniversary of manned flight—on that day the unmanned Fire Scout made its 100th consecutive successful flight. The Fire Scout autonomously landing aboard the USS McInerney. You can watch a video of the Fire Scout shooting live rounds at http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/ mq8bfirescout_navy/gallery.html#.You can watch a video of the Fire Scout shooting live rounds at http://www.as.northropgrum MIL-SPEC: MQ-8B Fire Scout (VTUAV) Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman (Moss Point, Mississippi) Fuselage length (with dual payload nose): 23.95 feet Fuselage width: 6.20 feet Length (with blades folded forward): 30.03 feet Rotor Diameter: 27.50 feet Height (top of tail antenna): 9.7 feet Gross weight: 3,150 pounds Speed: More than 115 knots Ceiling: 20,000 feet flight times: with minimum payload: More than 8 hours with Electro-optical, infrared image, and radar: More than 7 hours with Maximum Payload: More than 5 hours Engine: Model 250-C20W Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Type: Turboshaft Power: 420 hp Pressure ratio: 7.2 Length: 38.8 inches Diameter: 19 inches Weight: 158 pounds Compressor: 6hp + 1 centrifugal high-pressure Turbine: 2hp, 2PT (power turbine) SOURCES Northrop Grumman 703-280-2900 www.northropgrumman.com Rolls-Royce N/A www.rolls-royce.com By Jason Thompson Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
