USS Charleston is currently operating in U.S. Third Fleet.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Butler.
Western Pacific, U.S. Navy — An unmanned helicopter MQ-8B Fire Scout crashed into the side of USS Charleston (LCS 18) after taking off from the ship around 3:40 p.m., April 26.
No one was injured, and the Littoral Combat Ship continued to safely operate after the incident involving the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV).
The Fire Scout –31.7 feet long and nearly 10 feet tall– fell into the sea and was not recovered. The mishap damaged a safety net on the ship and struck the hull. Damage to the ship is being assessed, but appears limited to an area above the waterline. The USS Charleston continues operations in the Western Pacific.
The crashed of MQ-8B Fire Scout after takeoff from USS Charleston cause of the mishap is under investigation.
The MARS UAS Runway provided the proper infrastructure, briefing, and maintenance facilities for HSC-22’s two MH-60S helicopters and MQ-8B.
U.S. Navy photo by Chris Perry.
The Fire Scout was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 based out of Naval Air Station North Island and was assigned to Charleston as part of its current mission.
U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander.
-USN-
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
