MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Lift UAS Operations in Afghanistan

This paper presents the deployment of the Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter to Regional Command-North, Afghanistan in support of the U.S. Army Infantry, Air Cavalry, Special Operations, and coalition partners providing aerial reconnaissance to ground combatants. It will also present the unclassified description of the system, challenges and accomplishments of the Fire Scout during the initial set up for operations and the continued support given today.