ST INGOES, Md. (Sept 30, 2011) A U.S. Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout conducts the
first unmanned biofuel flight at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Md. The
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Directorate piloted the helicopter fueled
with a combination of JP-5 aviation fuel and plant-based camelina. The
biofuel blend reduces carbon dioxide output by 75 percent when compared
to conventional aviation fuel. The MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off
and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides critical
situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR),
and targeting data to the forward deployed warfighter. Fire Scout is
designed to operate from all air capable ships and is currently
providing ISR support during its first-land based deployment in U.S.
Central Command area of responsibility. Fire Scout is the seventh
aircraft to demonstrate the versatility of biofuel through its use in
all facets of naval aviation. (U.S. Navy video/Released)
