Breaking news
U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System Completes Operational Assessment.
| 2016
| |
|||
| a | |||
Naval Forces News - USA |
|||
U.S.
Navy MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System Completes Operational Assessment |
|||
The MQ-4C
Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) built for the U.S. Navy
by Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed Operational
Assessment (OA). Pending final data analysis, the completion of this
milestone signals the maturity of the system and paves the way for a
positive Milestone C decision. Milestone C will transition Triton into
low rate initial production. |
|||
The U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system has completed
operational assessment, which paves the way for a Milestone C decision
in the coming months. (U.S. Navy photo) |
|||
As part of OA, an integrated test team made up of
Navy personnel from Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons VX-1 and VX-20,
Unmanned Patrol Squadron, VUP-19 and Northrop Grumman demonstrated the
reliability of Triton over the course of approximately 60 flight hours.
The team analyzed sensor imagery and validated radar performance of
Triton's sensors at different altitudes and ranges. The aircraft system's
ability to classify targets and disseminate critical data was also examined
as part of the operational effectiveness and suitability testing. Successful
evaluation of Triton's time on station confirmed that it will meet flight
duration requirements.
"Operational assessment for Triton included several flights which exercised the weapon system through operationally relevant scenarios that demonstrated its readiness to meet the Navy's maritime intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance needs," said Doug Shaffer, vice president, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman. "As a result of the flight tests, the program moves one step closer to a milestone C decision later this spring." The U.S. Navy plans to order a total of 68 aircraft from Northrop Grumman, with the goal of having the first aircraft operational by 2017. The MQ-4C Triton will be a forward deployed, land-based, autonomously operated system that provides a persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability using a multi-sensor mission payload. Link to MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system technical datasheet |