US Navy personnel have trained on the newly acquired MQ-8C Fire Scout trainer aircraft using a new custom-built maintenance trainer.

The first MQ-8C Fire Scout pilot course at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) in Norfolk, Virginia, concluded on 29 August.

Instructors used either a Composite Maintenance Trainer (CMT) or an Avionics Maintenance Trainer (AMT) to teach aviation professionals, including electrician’s mates, electronics technicians, machinist’s mates, and structural mechanics.

The new systems are used for training on the latest version of the Northrop Grumman-built Fire Scout unmanned helicopter.

Known as MQ-8C Airframes and Power Plants Organizational Maintenance Course, the eight-week ‘C’ School hands-on training course teaches maintenance at the squadron level.

The Fire Scout CMT is used in the training course to deliver hands-on training to students on actual tasks.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

CNATTU Norfolk commanding officer commander Sudduth said: “CNATTU Norfolk is proud to provide the highest calibre of training to our sailors.

“The new Fire Scout trainers will enable us to stay at the forefront of naval aviation training and ensure that our sailors arrive in the fleet with the tools they need to work on this cutting-edge technology.”

The MQ-8C Fire Scout, which is an advanced version of the MQ-8B, achieved initial operational capability in June this year.

The unmanned helicopter’s airframe is based on the Bell 407. The MQ-8C can be used for reconnaissance, situational awareness, detailed targeting support, and aerial fire support.

MQ-8C instructor Destinee Riesing said: “We specifically designed this course to be laboratory intensive.

“Our new CMT is equipped to support that goal. Out of the 290 hours in the course, we only spend 60 in the classroom. This allows our students to receive critical, hands-on experience and as instructors, allows us to return to our roots turning wrenches.”

This month, instructors and students will embark on an eight-week MQ-8C Avionics Organizational Maintenance Course. During the course, instructors will use the AMT trainer.