MQ-4C Triton in new navy testing
During recent US Navy testing, Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton UAS demonstrated two new communications and flight capabilities, the navy announced on 23 June.
While in flight, the UAS successfully exchanged full motion video with a P-8 Poseidon aircraft using a Common Data Link. This capability will give future fleet operations the option for Triton to track a target with its electro-optical/infrared camera in order to build situational awareness for a distant P-8 aircrew. This will allow the MQ-4C to conduct persitent ISR while the P-8 focuses on its core mission.
Cmdr Daniel Papp, Triton integrated program team lead, said: ‘In an operational environment, this would enable the P-8 aircrew to become familiar with a contact of interest and surrounding vessels well in advance of the aircraft's arrival in station.’
The UAS also conducted its first heavy weight flight in June, as part of work to expand the aircraft's time on station. In the test, the UAS operated in a heavy weight configuration in the 20,000ft altitude band. A second heavyweight flight two weeks later saw it successfully operate in the 30,000ft altitude band.
The MQ-4C Triton is scheduled to be deployed by the US Navy in 2018. It can fly missions of up to 24 hours and monitor two million square miles of ocean and littoral areas at a time.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
