The Navy�s unmanned MQ-8C Fire Scout began a new series of operational testing this month aboard the USS Coronado (LCS 4) off the coast of San Diego. The operations are a continuation of MQ-8C operational testing that began in April. This phase of testing is for the MQ-8C’s ability to operate concurrently with other airborne assets and Littoral Combat Ships. The enhanced capability will provide commanders an improved and integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance picture. During Coronado’s 2016-17 deployment to the Western Pacific, it successfully used an MQ-8B Fire Scout � a smaller version of the Fire Scout � as a sensor to strike a target beyond visual range using a Harpoon surface-to-surface missile. Also in 2017, the MQ-8C had its first launch from the deck of an LCS underway. (Sources: NNS, 06/20/18, Military.com, 06/21/18) Gulf Coast note: Finishing work for the Fire Scout is done by Northrop Grumman in Moss Point, Miss. LCS 4 was built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.
