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Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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NorthropGrummanMQ-8BFireScout

Utility / Transport Helicopters · United States · 2014
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NorthropGrummanMQ-8BFireScout

Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout
Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg · 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
Payload / Capacity
50
Range
45
Versatility
65
Reliability
60
Speed
55
Survivability
40
Hot-and-High Performance
50
Maintainability
70
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
65
Origin United States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman Corporation, Schweizer Aircraft Corporation
CategoryUtility / Transport Helicopters
EraModern Era
In service2014–2022
Operators3 countries
Quantity30
Data Quality83%
56
Utility / Transport Helicopters MASS Rating
13/14
Modern Era
137/208
All-Time
Utility / Transport Helicopters · 10 axes scored
Payload / Capacity
50
Range
45
Versatility
65
Reliability
60
Speed
55
Survivability
40
Hot-and-High Performance
50
Maintainability
70
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
65
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout
Production
2014–2022
Quantity
30
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · MODERN ERA
13
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
56
utility / transport helicopters category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Flight2000
  • Service Entry Year2009
  • Crew0
  • Passengers0
  • Primary Rolereconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support
  • In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant7MOD.7
  • Engine Typeturboshaft
  • Number of Engines1
  • Engine Power (each)313 kW
  • Rotor Configurationsingle main rotor
  • Main Rotor Diameter8.38 m
  • Main Rotor Blades4
  • Anti-Torque Typetail rotor
▣Performance8MOD.8
  • Top Speed213 km/h
  • Cruise Speed185 km/h
  • Service Ceiling6,100 m
  • Hover Ceiling (IGE)4,572 m
  • Hover Ceiling (OGE)3,048 m
  • Range200 km
  • Rate of Climb6.1 m/s
  • Endurance480
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Fuselage Length7.29 m
  • Height2.96 m
  • Rotor Disc Area55.1
  • Empty Weight1,021 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight1,429 kg
  • Useful Load408 kg
  • Cabin Volume0
◆Armament & Mission7MOD.7
▲Production2MOD.2
  • Total Built30
  • Variants1
◎Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year2022
  • Production Start2006
  • Production End2022
  • Operational Statusretired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2014Production started
  2. 2022Production ended
12
years in service
8
years in production
30
units produced
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout 2014
05 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
Combined forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and electro-optical (EO) sensor turret for target acquisition and tracking, typically mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles.
A sight mounted on a helicopter's mast for targeting.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Utility / Transport Helicopters entry →