The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout Class IV is the production configuration of the Fire Scout unmanned helicopter type which is in turn a derivative of the Schweizer Aircraft Model 333 manned helicopter.

Initial configuration MQ-8B Fire Scout concept was unveiled in November 2002, with revisions to incorporate sponsons revealed in late 2004.

The MQ-8B Fire Scout was selected for the US Army’s Class IV Future Combat System in September 2003 with initial production starting in January 2004, and was also selected as the US Navy’s designated VTUAV for the littoral combat ship programme with initial contracts placed in March 2004.

The first production configuration USN RQ-4B made its debut flight 18 December 2006 and received US Department of Defence approval for low rate series production of nine aircraft in May 2007, with deliveries to be completed by the end of 2008.

The first FCS configuration aircraft are currently in fit-out.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout cutaway...