US Navy receives first operational MQ-4C Triton
Northrop Grumman has delivered the first operational MQ-4C Triton UAS to the US Navy facility at Point Mugu, the company announced on 10 November.
The long-endurance UAS is designed to fly missions up to 24 hours at altitudes of over 55,000ft, providing 360 degree coverage for maritime ISR missions including vessel detection, classification and tracking.
The company is expected to deliver the second operational Triton later this year. Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu is home to the maintenance detachment of Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP)19. Maintainers will prepare the first two operational MQ-4C Triton for deployment to Guam, scheduled next year.
VUP-19, the navy’s first unmanned patrol squadron, is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.
Doug Shaffer, VP, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman, said: ‘This aircraft represents the beginning of a new era for naval aviation.
‘Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned system that delivers a critical autonomous capability to the navy, expanding the service’s maritime patrol mission. We are proud to be a part of this historic programme.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![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.
-
![Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces]()
Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces
The Caméléon LG UGV includes remote operational capabilities and real-time hazard detection.
