The Navy has formally transitioned the MQ-8C Fire Scout program -- its autonomous helicopter project that incorporates "endurance" upgrades, including a larger and more powerful aircraft than the original platform -- to low-rate initial production, reinstating a decision rescinded in 2014 when the service decided to migrate the electronic guts of the system from a smaller aircraft. In March, the Navy conducted a milestone C review for the $2.8 billion program led by Northrop Grumman, establishing a new acquisition baseline...
