![Header: firescout.jpg](img/aircraft_headers/firescout.jpg)
Mission
The MQ-8 Fire Scout system is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.
The MQ-8B can operate from air-capable ships with deployments on Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
The MQ-8C air vehicle upgrade will provide longer endurance, range and greater payload capability than the MQ-8B . It will conduct initial testing on guided-missile destroyers (DDG)-class ship.
Graphical representation of the differences between the MQ-8B and MQ-8C
MQ-8B Fire Scout
The Fire Scout unmanned air system is comprised of up to three MQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicles, ground control stations, and associated control handling and support equipment. With vehicle endurance greater than eight hours, a system will be capable of twelve continuous hours of operations providing coverage 110 nautical miles from the launch site.
More InformationMQ-8C Fire Scout
![MQ-8C arrives at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, Calif.]( img/uploads/thumb_MQ-8C.jpg)
The MQ-8C, with a larger air vehicle than the MQ-8B, has a range of 150 nautical miles and a payload capacity of more than 700 pounds. MQ-8C will require fewer aircraft to operate at maximum performance and will meet an U.S. Africa and Special Operation Commands urgent needs requirement.
More Information