The RQ-8A Fire Scout, as it was named, was a derivative of the Schweizer three-passenger, turbine powered 330SP helicopter, with a new fuselage, new fuel system, and UAV electronics and sensors. The initial prototype of the Fire Scout was piloted in initial tests, flying autonomously for the first time in January 2000.

2020年2月18日 · Some of the notable improvements include increased power, fuel, and payload capacity. Additionally, the MQ-8B offers more than double the mission radius and time on station than the prototype...

2001年3月25日 · In February 2000, the US Navy chose the RQ-8A Fire Scout as its vertical take-off and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle (VTUAV).

rq-8a Early into the test program, Northrop Grumman proposed an improved version called Sea Scout , based on the Schweizer Model 333 helicopter. The upgrade would include a four-blade rotor for increased payload and mission duration, and the ability to carry precision-guided air-to-surface missiles.

Northrop Grumman's RQ-8A Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), derived from the Schweizer 300SP helicopter, served as the basis for the enhanced MQ-8B, which has greater performance, the...

The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, 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.

2024年6月5日 · First flight of an RQ-8 was recorded in January of 2000 and initial models were marked simply as "RQ-8A" with Northrop Grumman as the primary contractor (Northrop Grumman supplying the all-important data link functionality, this based on the one as used in the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV).