Triton focus shifts to sense-and-avoid
The MQ-4C will include sense-and-avoid technology. (Photo: USN/Northrop Grumman)
Development of sense-and-avoid capabilities will be included in the next increment of the MQ-4C Triton HALE UAV.
Northrop Grumman has received a prototype and risk-reduction contract from the USN to integrate sense-and-avoid (SAA) capabilities with the MQ-4C Triton high-altitude long-endurance UAV.
The value of the deal was undisclosed.
SAA would allow Triton to operate in controlled airspace used by crewed aircraft. It is a focus of the next developmental increment of the MQ-4C system and a ‘critical element of the cooperative development programme requirements defined between the USN and Royal Australian Air Force’, Northrop Grumman announced on 10 May.
ACSS — a long-standing partner with Northrop Grumman on SAA technology — will assist in executing the contract.
Doug Shaffer, VP and Triton programme manager at Northrop Grumman, claimed: ‘Incorporating SAA capability will add tremendous flexibility to the Triton system and how the US Navy, Royal Australian Air Force and potential future customers seamlessly integrate Triton into their concepts of operation.’
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