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The Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support 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. The larger MQ-8C variant is based on the Bell 407.

In this Sept. 5, 2013 photo provided by Northrop Grumman, a MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter sits on the flight line at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif., prior to conducting the first engine runs of the system on Sept. 20, 2013. A Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy test team is collecting data to ensure that all of the aircraft's systems are functioning and communicating properly prior to its first flight. (AP Photo/Chad Slattery, Northrop Grumman)
Photo by: Chad Slattery
The Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support 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. The larger MQ-8C variant is based on the Bell 407. In this Sept. 5, 2013 photo provided by Northrop Grumman, a MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter sits on the flight line at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif., prior to conducting the first engine runs of the system on Sept. 20, 2013. A Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy test team is collecting data to ensure that all of the aircraft's systems are functioning and communicating properly prior to its first flight. (AP Photo/Chad Slattery, Northrop Grumman)

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