Northrop Grumman RQ-8A Fire Scout
Northrop Grumman · United States · first flew 2000 · reconnaissance aircraft
The RQ-8A Fire Scout is the initial prototype variant of Northrop Grumman's unmanned autonomous helicopter, developed to provide organic ship-borne ISR capability for the US Navy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.97 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned autonomous helicopter derived from Schweizer 333 airframe
- Three-blade main rotor with tricycle skid-type landing gear
- Sensor ball turret mounted beneath nose for surveillance role
Small unmanned helicopter with Schweizer 333 proportions, three-blade rotor, fixed skid undercarriage, and a sensor turret under the nose; no pilot cockpit glazing.
Specifications
- The Northrop Grumman RQ-8A Fire Scout has a length of 6.97 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.4 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 213 km/h (132 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the civil Schweizer 333 helicopter, the RQ-8A was selected by the US Navy for its Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle (VTUAV) programme and first flew in 2000. Early trials demonstrated the concept of a ship-launched autonomous rotary-wing UAV but led to significant redesign, eventually producing the larger MQ-8B. The RQ-8A designation covered the initial demonstrator aircraft before the programme matured.
Variants
The RQ-8A led directly to the MQ-8B Fire Scout with a larger airframe and greater payload, and the turbine-powered MQ-8C based on the Bell 407.
Where you'll see it
The RQ-8A was a development aircraft used in US Navy trials and did not achieve operational squadron service; that role fell to the MQ-8B.
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- AeroVironment Helios Prototype
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