Northrop Grumman delivered the first three production MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAVs to the US Navy on November 23, completing the first year of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
Two of the three Fire Scouts have been deployed aboard the Perry class frigate USS McInerney on an operational deployment in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Fire Scout Military Utility Assessment (MUA). Longer term plans will see Fire Scouts deployed aboard the US Navy’s new class of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and used in conjunction with SH-60 and MH-60R Seahawks.
There have been reports of interest in Fire Scout within the RAN for use aboard Anzac and Adelaide (Perry) class frigates, the new Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, and possibly the forthcoming Canberra class LHDs.
