It seems the Coast Guard missed out on a golden opportunity to test a system in our own realm of Drug Interdiction. And to further rub salt in the wound the Navy got the press!
>>>www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4333183.html


"The UAV left on an anti-narcotics mission when from a port in Florida on Monday. The USS McInerney (FFG-8) is no stranger to the unmanned aerial vehicle because it hosted it during developmental testing."

Earlier last year there were press reports that the Coast Guard was interested in testing Fire Scout during acceptance trials of CGC Bertholf.
>>>www.military.com/features/0,15240,165624,00.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

"Among those tests could be takeoffs and landings of the Navy's Fire Scout vertical unmanned aerial vehicle (VUAV). ....."We're already talking with their squadron [PMA266] out of Patuxent River to see if they would like to bring Fire Scout on board" the Coast Guard cutter,..."

What happened?
This would have been a great opportunity to show off the NSC and its capabilities relative to the National Strategy for Maritime Security. Particularly with regards to our commitment to advance maritime domain awareness.

Just wondering! Any thoughts?
MFT

The Coast Guard would like the helicopter like that Why don't they have it?

We are working with the Navy in development of Fire Scout for Coast Guard missions. We have funds and people dedicated to the project.

Although Fire Scout is very promising, it's not quite there yet for our mission needs. For example Fire Scout is not currently equipped with surface search radar, which for our intended purpose is necessary on a ship based UAS.

For us it only makes sense to let the Navy keep the lead on this and not start parallel development. Of course that also means they get most of the press

MCPO Brett F. Ayer
Command Master Chief
Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate

Brett;
Reminds me of something the other Phil who used to work over here always told PCPOs:

"It's amazing how much can get done when no-one cares who gets the credit."

The Coast Guard now has officers in the AVO (Aerial Vehicular Operator) school at Pax River. So, maybe things will pick-up quicker for the CG.

The Navy is using the UCARS system on the USS McInerney right now, but it's designed for the new LCS... not the old frigates. But even as I write this there is always something popping up with the program... kinks in the system for lack of better terms.

There are constant changes in the NATOPS and certain limitations the AV has that is purely limited by software. The program is progressing along, but Northrup Grumman still has some work to do.

Eventually this will be a huge benefit for both the Navy and CG. There are a lot more pros than there are cons with this program.