Mincham signs Triton supplier contract
Mincham Aviation has been awarded the second Australian supplier contract from North Grumman for the low-rate initial production (LRIP) lot of the US Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS), it announced on 26 August.
The company, based in South Australia, will manufacture aircraft structure components for the LRIP lot of four Triton UAS. The first supplier contract was awarded to Ferra Engineering in July for mechanical sub-assemblies.
Northrop Grumman's Triton supplier contracts in Australia were facilitated through the Global Supply Chain programme of the Australian Department of Defence. The programme enables other international companies to assess and engage with Australian industry players. Northrop Grumman has issued requests for quotations to provide components such as composite assemblies, cables, test equipment and special tooling for follow-on LRIP lots.
Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia, said: 'We are pleased to be able to further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to developing and fostering capabilities in local supply chains. We will continue to look to offer opportunities to quality-focused Australian companies to be involved in the production and sustainment of Triton, which will be one of the US Navy's and Royal Australian Air Force's key capabilities for many years to come.'
Australia intends to use the MQ-4C Triton UAS for conducting high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance missions. The UAS can fly for up to 24 hours and at over 55,000ft altitudes. It has a sensor suite for continuous on-station presence in a a 360-degree field of view.
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