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.’
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