MQ-8C Fire-X

The MQ-8C Fire-X, designated the MQ-8C Fire Scout, is an uncrewed aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, is a foundational aerospace and defense technology company with a long history of developing advanced systems for global security.

The MQ-8C utilizes the airframe of the Bell 407 helicopter, integrating it with the autonomous controls and avionics developed from the earlier MQ-8B Fire Scout. This approach allowed for a rapid development timeline. Northrop Grumman announced plans for the modified Bell 407 in May 2010, delivered the first MQ-8C to the Navy in July 2013, and achieved first flight in October 2013. The aircraft reached initial operational capability in June 2019 and is manufactured in facilities in Ozark, Alabama, and Moss Point, Mississippi. It is integral to expeditionary operations, particularly aboard littoral combat ships.

Maintenance access for this aircraft is supported by a variety of platforms and stands. These access solutions, including Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, Super Trestle Scaffold, Ultraraise, and Cantilever Platform, facilitate methodical servicing across all critical aircraft areas. This includes the Nose Section, Landing Gear, and Tail Section, ensuring detailed access for comprehensive inspection and maintenance needs.