LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
REC // INTEL FEED

NorthropGrummanMQ-8FireScout

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2000
ADD TO COMPARE

NorthropGrummanMQ-8FireScout

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
65
Operating Altitude
60
Range
60
Data-Link
70
Stealth / Survivability
40
Image Quality
75
Autonomy
70
Technology
75
Cost-Effectiveness
70
Origin United States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman Corporation
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service2000–2022
Operators3 countries
Quantity30
Data Quality84%
66
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
20/69
Post-Cold War
74/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
65
Operating Altitude
60
Range
60
Data-Link
70
Stealth / Survivability
40
Image Quality
75
Autonomy
70
Technology
75
Cost-Effectiveness
70
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout
Production
2000–2022
Quantity
30
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
20
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
66
reconnaissance / surveillance drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • UAV Classhelicopter
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight2000
  • Service Entry Year2009
  • Primary Rolereconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support, precision targeting support
  • In ServiceYes
◈Airframe6MOD.6
  • Length7.3 m
  • Wingspan8.382 m
  • Height2.9 m
  • Empty Weight940.3 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight1,430 kg
  • Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant5MOD.5
  • Engine TypeRolls-Royce 250
  • Number of Engines1
  • Engine Power313 kW
  • Electric PropulsionNo
  • Propeller / Configurationrotorcraft
◇Performance7MOD.7
  • Top Speed212.962 km/h
  • Cruise Speed203.702 km/h
  • Service Ceiling6,096 m
  • Range200 km
  • Endurance8
  • Combat / Operating Radius200 km
  • Maximum Payload318 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built30
  • Operators1
  • Variants434
◎Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year2022
  • Production Start2000
  • Production End2022
  • Operational StatusRetired (RQ-8A, MQ-8B)
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2000Production started
  2. 2022Production ended
26
years in service
22
years in production
30
units produced
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout 2000
// DERIVATIVES
05 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE6terms
Automatic Takeoff/Landing is a UAV capability that enables a drone to initiate and complete takeoff and landing sequences autonomously using onboard sensors and control software.
Capable of performing tasks or missions without direct human control, using onboard systems to make decisions and execute actions.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
A device that emits a laser beam to mark targets for precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate strikes by designating coordinates for laser-homing weapons.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →