USS Coronado (LCS 4) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) completed the first comprehensive Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) for the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned rotary wing platform on June 29, 2018. Results from this IOT&E will inform decision-makers on how best to integrate the Navy’s newest unmanned helicopter with littoral combat ships (LCS) and other platforms.

The tests team developed and evaluated practices for simultaneously operating and maintaining both the MQ-8C Fire Scout and the MH-60S Seahawk, the two helicopters are seen here approaching the USS Coronado. Photo: US Navy by Jacob I. Allison.

“The results, lessons learned, and recommendations reported on following this underway test period are absolutely invaluable to the future of the MQ-8C Fire Scout’s mission effectiveness and suitability to perform that mission,” said Lt. Cmdr. Seth Ervin, the lead for the VX-1 detachment aboard Coronado.

During the tests, the Fire Scout performed several mission scenarios aboard Coronado off the coast of southern California. On these missions, the team conducted simulated engagements to evaluate Fire Scout’s role in target identification, intelligence gathering, and surface warfare operations, thus demonstrated the cohesion between the surface and aviation platforms.

The testing also focused on developing practices for simultaneously operating and maintaining both the MQ-8C Fire Scout and the MH-60S Seahawk. Results confirmed that while it requires extensive planning and coordination across the ship, simultaneous operations can be conducted.

Sailors aboard the Independence monitor flight operations from the helicopter control tower as maintainers prepare to launch the MQ-8C Fire Scout, the Navy’s newest unmanned helicopter. Photo: US Navy by Jalen Robinson.

“It has been challenging and rewarding to be one of the first maintainers afforded the opportunity to take both aircraft aboard the ship. Working together, we made the overall product more functional and efficient for the fleet,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Salvatore Greene, a member of VX-1.

These tests followed two previous milestones – the first ship-based flight of the MQ-8C Fire Scout occurred aboard USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) in December 2014, and previous underway testing was also conducted with USS Montgomery (LCS 8) in April 2017. Pierside testing of the MQ-8C Fire Scout will continue onboard Coronado throughout mid-July with a focus on maintenance and cyber. Coronado is one of four designated LCS testing ships homeported in San Diego.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR