The US Navy has completed initial testing of MQ-8C Fire Scout aboard littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS-8) on 11 April. The tests included dynamic interface testing to verify the MQ-8C launch and recovery procedures and test interoperability between the unmanned helicopter and the ship. The navy plans to begin initial operational test and evaluation in fall 2017.

The MQ-8C is a larger variant than the MQ-8B and provides longer endurance of 8 hours on station, 150 nm range and greater payload capability. The platform provides situational awareness and precision target support for the Navy with its ability to detect, identify, track, and potentially engage threats at extended ranges while supporting maritime requirements across the range of military operations.