A comparative analysis of the Army MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) AND Navy MQ-8B manpower and training requirements

Abstract

The recent increased urgency to combat terrorism and asymmetric threats, combined with the environment in which field troops are forced to operate has created a unique demand for non-standard war fighting capabilities. Beginning in 2004, the U.S. Navy, in a joint effort with the U.S. Army, began jointly testing and evaluating the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take Off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV). This platform has shown very promising early results in testing and is slated for implementation on the Navy's newest Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). A manpower analysis of the Fire Scout MQ-8B was conducted to identify requirements applicable to operating the platform aboard LCS. Current Army MQ-8B manning was described and used to compute a baseline model determining best mix of manpower requirements needed to implement Fire Scout at sea. Accurate identification of manpower requirements and training for Fire Scout operators, technicians and support personnel will eventually diminish reliance on civilian contractors, and provide the opportunity for joint military operability. The Army MQ-8B Fire Scout training program was analyzed to compare the suitability and feasibility of Navy training for operators and technicians. Currently, there is no Navy training program in place to train Fire Scout operators and technicians to support LCS.