The MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has made an 11-hour, long-range flight.
During an endurance demonstration from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, the Fire Scout flew 150 miles and 11 hours on a planned 10-hour flight, and still had an hour's fuel in reserve, according to a Northrop Grumman announcement. This is the longest flight made by the MQ-8C.
"With adjustments, our production aircraft will have 12 hours of total endurance on a standard day," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman's vice president for medium-range tactical systems.
