US Navy is working on new MQ-8 Fire Scout mine countermeasure system.

According to information published by the U.S. DoD on March 2, 2022, the Navy is working to develop a new mine countermeasure (MCM) sensor suite for the MQ-8C Fire Scout that will enable the unmanned helicopter to detect and localize mines and obstacles on land and at-sea.
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The MQ-8 Fire Scout, with mass shapes attached, conducts low airspeed flying qualities testing (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Single System Multi-Mission Airborne Mine Detection (SMAMD) Future Naval Capability Program will be the first MCM system flown onboard the MQ-8C Fire Scout as well as the airframe’s heaviest payload carried to date.

The SMAMD system, developed by BAE Systems, utilizes an airborne optical sensor suite that will have the ability to have real-time onboard processing coupled with low false alarm rates will enable the warfighter to respond swiftly to detected threats. Current MCM technologies require post-mission analysis that lengthens the threat detection and mitigation timeline.

In February, UX-24 conducted Flying Qualities and Performance (FQ&P) testing with the MQ-8C using mass equivalency models in place of the prototype system pods, which mimic the size and weight of the SMAMD System. FQ&P testing is performed to collect data to allow for the evaluation of air vehicle performance and handling to assess the safety of flight assessment and airworthiness.

This spring, the joint team will hold a land-based demonstration of the MCM prototype at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida. The demo will stretch from the beach zone, drifting mines and moored mines both in shallow water and deep water up to 10 kilometers offshore. The objective of the demonstration is to gather performance data for both the MQ-8C Fire Scout and SMAMD to inform future integration efforts.

The SMAMD will prove that a podded MCM system can operate as intended on the MQ-8C without causing adverse effects to the UAV or significantly diminishing time on station.

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout is an unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Navy. The MQ-8C also has autonomous take-off and landing capability. It is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support, and precision targeting support for ground, air, and sea forces.