LCS 4 underway to test MQ-8C

PACIFIC OCEAN – The Alabama-built USS Coronado (LCS 4) began underway operational testing June 15 of the Navy's newest unmanned helicopter, the MQ-8C Fire Scout, off the coast of San Diego. The operations are a continuation of MQ-8C operational testing that began in April. This phase of testing is for the MQ-8C's ability to operate concurrently with other airborne assets and Littoral Combat Ships. The enhanced capability will provide commanders an improved and integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance picture. LCS 4 is one of four designated LCS testing ships. Fire Scout operations are a whole-ship effort, requiring effective coordination between the aviation and surface entities aboard, says Cmdr. Lawrence Repass, the ship’s commanding officer. During Coronado's 2016-17 deployment to the Western Pacific, it successfully used MQ-8B Fire Scout as an organic sensor to strike a target beyond visual range using a Harpoon surface-to-surface missile. (Source: LCS Squadron One 06/20/18) Gulf Coast Note: LCS 4 – and all even-numbered LCS hulls, primarily based in San Diego – were built at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Ala.