MQ-8C.

This is coolbert:

"It also has the ability to autonomously take off and land on any aviation-capable ship and from prepared and unprepared landing zones."

"US Navy's Helicopter Drone Is Ready For Combat"

The article by Tyler Durden from Zero Hedge thanks to the tip from Jay.

"Last summer, we [Zero Hedge] reported how the US Navy completed the first comprehensive Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) of the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. One year later, the Navy declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the MQ-8C"

NAVAL UAV COMBAT DRONE ROTARY WING NOW READY TO GO!! MQ-8C.

"The MQ-8C is a sea-based unmanned helicopter for reconnaissance, aerial fire support and precision targeting missions".

"The MQ-8C uses the Bell 407 airframe, with the insides completely stripped out and replaced with automated systems and extra fuel tanks."

An existing design, a fly-able and long-time in the inventory [almost ancient and venerable] warplane. Good to go now rather than better tomorrow. Manned aircraft now unmanned.

"The 407 uses the four-blade, soft-in-plane design rotor with composite hub developed for the United States Army's OH-58D Kiowa Warrior"

UAV as used by the U.S. Navy for combat operations hardly new. From the era of the Cold War over fifty years ago now read of the Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH anti-submarine drone.

coolbert.