A MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system makes its approach for landing, marking the conclusion of initial flight testing. (Photo by Alan Radecki, courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
A MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system makes its approach for landing, marking the conclusion of initial flight testing. (Photo by Alan Radecki, courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
A MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system makes its approach for landing, marking the conclusion of initial flight testing. (Photo by Alan Radecki, courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
A MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system makes its approach for landing, marking the conclusion of initial flight testing. (Photo by Alan Radecki, courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
A MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system makes its approach for landing, marking the conclusion of initial flight testing. (Photo by Alan Radecki, courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

Triton UAS Passes Flight Tests

April 18, 2014
The Triton UAS recently completed a series of flight tests. It will now move on to payload testing of its upgraded sensor suite.

The new Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) carries a suite of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads to aid military commanders. It is tasked with gathering high-resolution imagery, detecting targets, and providing airborne communications and information-sharing capabilities. The U.S. Navy recently completed initial flight testing for the Triton, clearing it to fly at various altitudes, speeds, and weights.

At Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif., the test team validated more than 568 test points. It conducted 13 different flights totaling 81 hours at altitudes to 59,950 feet. Next, the aircraft will head to the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Md., where another test team will install and flight-test the Triton’s sensor suite. It also will validate the capabilities of each payload including the system’s primary sensor—a multifunction active sensor (MFAS) that provides the UAS with a 360-deg. view of ocean and coastal regions (see “Flight Tests Completed on Maritime Surveillance Sensor” on Microwaves & RF).

The Triton was built as part of the Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program. It is based upon the Global Hawk UAS with added reinforcements to the airframe and wing. The de-icing and lightning protection systems also were enhanced. The current plan is to build 68 Tritons to be used with manned P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircrafts. Together, the systems will conduct continual intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions across ocean and coastal regions.

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