MQ-8C completes IOT&E with LCS 4

SAN DIEGO - 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 on June 29 off the coast of southern California. The results will inform decision-makers how best to integrate the service’s newest unmanned helicopter with Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and other platforms. The Fire Scout performed multiple mission operations aboard Coronado. The operations are a major milestone for both the LCS and Fire Scout programs, and demonstrated cohesion between the surface and aviation platforms. Coronado and VX-1 conducted simulated engagements to evaluate Fire Scout's role in target identification, intelligence gathering and surface warfare operations. The testing also focused on developing practices for simultaneously operating and maintaining both the Fire Scout and MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. The crew is “excited to build upon their past experiences operating with Fire Scout and continue to improve our proficiency as a war-fighting team," said Cmdr. Lawrence Repass, LCS 4’s commanding officer. Pierside testing of the MQ-8C Fire Scout will continue onboard Coronado throughout mid-July with a focus on maintenance and cyber. (Source: LCS Squadron One 07/09/18) Gulf Coast Note: The first ship-based flight of the MQ-8C occurred with USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) in December 2014, and previous underway testing was also conducted with USS Montgomery (LCS 8) in April 2017. Both LCS's were built at Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Coronado is one of four LCS testing ships homeported in San Diego.