Triton UAS connects sea and air assets in interoperability demo
The test saw a gateway-equipped MQ-4C Triton connect with simulations of multiple USN aircraft and vessels. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has used a Triton UAV to test network gateway technology designed to connect US Navy combat aircraft and surface vessels.
Northrop Grumman has demonstrated new gateway technology in a US flight test confirming its ability to connect airborne platforms with naval assets. The demonstration was conducted with Naval Air Systems Command, the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and BAE Systems.
Installed on an MQ-4C Triton flying testbed, the airborne gateway shared fifth-generation sensor data to ground-based simulators representing an F-35 fighter, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Aegis-class destroyers and carrier strike groups.
The gateway was integrated with the UAV’s radar plus AI and machine learning capabilities to improve situational awareness across previously disconnected platforms. Introduction of the gateway expands data-sharing and accelerates decision-making, according to the company.
Ben Davies, VP and general manager, network information solutions, Northrop Grumman, said: ‘This powerful combination expands the mission sets of maritime platforms to deliver a seamlessly connected fleet – a critical step as the US Navy achieves its naval operational architecture to enable distributed maritime operations.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale]()
Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale
The fast-tracked emergency approvals come as the conflict in the Middle East stretches out into its third month, after Iranian attacks depleted US allies’ missile stockpiles and testing air defence systems.
-
![Teledyne FLIR adds GPS-denied 3D-mapping capabilities to its CBRN uncrewed platforms]()
Teledyne FLIR adds GPS-denied 3D-mapping capabilities to its CBRN uncrewed platforms
In a partnership with Emesent, Teledyne FLIR will equip its autonomous air, ground and detection systems with the Hovermap LiDAR payload in a move that highlights a broader market shift towards modular architectures, shared payloads and interoperability across platforms.
-
![US seeks 32% boost for missile defence budget with $23 billion earmarked for interceptors]()
US seeks 32% boost for missile defence budget with $23 billion earmarked for interceptors
The Pentagon’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes an impressive increase in the procurement of interceptors, with the number of the US Army’s PAC-3 MSE rounds expanding by 683%, the US Navy’s Standard Missile by 365% and the MDA’s SM-3 IIA by more than 1,000%.
-
![US Army partners with Global Military Products to surge munitions production]()
US Army partners with Global Military Products to surge munitions production
Global Military Products was selected by the US Army to operate the Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility and ramp up the production of various calibre shell cases.
