This Naval Helicopter History Timeline is sourced using historical data and pictures from “THE NAVAL HELICOPTER-HIGHLIGHTS IN NAVAL HELICOPTER HISTORY,” written by CAPT Vincent C. Secades USN (Ret), Published by Naval Helicopter Association, Coronado, California, 2nd Edition June 2012.
400BC |1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010
NAVAL HELICOPTER HISTORY TIMELINE 2000
Sikorsky MH-60S (“Sierra”) - was Developed
April 1, 2002 – Sikorsky MH-60S (“Sierra”) – was developed after the Navy decided to phase out the venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. The Sierra is deployed aboard amphibious assault ships and fast combat supply ships. It has two missions – troop transport and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) but can also perform search and rescue (SAR). The Sierra is the first US Navy helicopter to field the glass cockpit.
Navy Pursues MQ-8B Fire Scout as the Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV)
January 1, 2003. – The Navy notified Northrop-Grumman of its intention to pursue the development of the MQ-8B Fire Scout as the Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) to provide surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting support for the new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The MQ-8B is a derivative of the Ryan-Schweizer MQ-8A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which in turn was derived from the Schweizer Aircraft Co. Model 330SP three-passenger helicopter, powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turbine. The MQ-8B improved design includes a four-bladed rotor and upgraded transmission to increase payload capacity to 700 pounds, and stub wings that enhance its aerodynamic performance and provide for armament-carrying stations. Funding was obtained in July 2003, and a formal contract was awarded in March 2004.
HC-11 Re-designated -- HSC-21 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
April 1, 2005 – HC-11 re-designated — HSC-21 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
HC-8 Re-designated – HCS-28 established at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
April 1, 2005 — HC-8 re-designated – HCS-28 established at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
HC-3 re-designated – HCS-3 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
April 1, 2005 –- HC-3 re-designated – HCS-3 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
HC-6 Re-designated – HCS-26 established at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
April 1, 2005 –- HC-6 re-designated – HCS-26 established at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
HC-5 Re-designated – HSC-25 established at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam.
April 21, 2005 – HC-5 re-designated – HSC-25 established at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam.
HSL-41 Re-desginated – HSM-41 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
December 8, 2005 – HSL-41 re-desginated – HSM-41 established at Naval Air Station North Island.
RQ-8A VTUAV Developmental Prototype Completes Two Days of Sea Trials
January 17, 2006. – The RQ-8A VTUAV developmental prototype completed two days of sea trials on USS Nashville (LPD-13) 
underway in Chesapeake Bay. Operating from NAS Patuxent River, two vehicles were remotely flown to the ship and performed nine landings. The purpose of these tests was to provide design data for the MQ-8B baseline software.
Navy Awarded Northrop-Grumman a Contract for the MQ-8B VTUAV
June 1, 2007. – The Navy awarded Northrop-Grumman a Low Rate Initial Production contract for the MQ-8B VTUAV. Follow-on contracts were awarded in September 2008 and February 2009. The Fire Scout is equipped with electro-optical/infrared sensors and a laser rangefinder/designator to find and identify tactical targets and provide targeting data to strike platforms.
HSM-71 Established at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Ca.
October 4, 2005 — HSM-71 Established at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Ca.
MQ-8B Fire Scout Began Pre-Deployment Operational Suitability Checks and Ship Integration Tests
December 10, 2008. – The MQ-8B Fire Scout began pre-deployment operational suitability checks and ship integration tests aboard USS McInerney (FFG-8) while in port at Naval Station Mayport, Fl. After several months of pre-deployment at-sea exercises, on October 2009 McInerney departed on its long cruise to South America with two Fire Scouts onboard. During its six months deployment, the Fire Scout flew 24 sorties, which included the surveillance and tracking of a “go fast” narcotics vessel until it was captured.
HSM-70 Established at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fl.
February 12, 200 – HSM-70 Established at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fl.
HSM-77 Established at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Ca.
April 4, 2009 — HSM-77 Established at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Ca.