The US Coast Guard, in association with Northrop Grumman and the US Navy, has successfully completed the maiden flight of MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter from the USCGC Bertholf national security cutter (NSC) off the Naval Base Ventura County coast in Point Mugu.

UAS platform manager USCG lieutenant commander Dan Broadhurst said: "Unmanned Aerial Systems have the potential to significantly increase the surveillance range and capability of our Coast Guard cutters, and this demonstration will help to inform the service on the best way to proceed forward with the acquisition of the right unmanned capability in the future."

During the flight, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was controlled and manoeuvred by Navy pilots and Coast Guard personnel from a Fire Scout control station on the Bertholf.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems medium range tactical systems vice president George Vardoulakis said: "The MQ-8B Fire Scout is the Navy’s combat-proven unmanned helicopter, and can provide the same persistent maritime surveillance capabilities forthe Coast Guard.

"I’m confident that we’ll demonstrate increased NSC effectiveness while lowering the Coast Guard’s operational costs."

The MQ-8B system has already completed over 14,000 flight hours as well as 5,300 sorties and is also operational with the US Navy and has been deployed on frigates and littoral combat vessels.

Image: The MQ-8B Fire Scout performing take-off and landings onboard the Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Bertholf. Photo: courtesy of US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Clayton.

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