Northrop Grumman MQ-4 Triton

History of the Northrop Grumman MQ-4 Triton

The MQ-4C "Triton" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) represents a "navyized" version of the original Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, with some internal and external modifications to suit maritime patrols, The role of surveillance and confrontation becomes - submarine warfare. Triton is currently in development, with five examples converted from the existing RQ-4 system for trials.

The U.S. Navy intends to procure approximately 68 MQ-4C aircraft, which will add to its standby fleet of 22 in the near future. The Triton drone will work in tandem with the Navy's streamlined naval force, which now includes the nascent Boeing P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine/surface attack aircraft.

Triton plans to test on five BAMS-D (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Block 10 Demonstrator) development aircraft, one of which lost the multifunctional active sensor active electronic steering in an accident after takeoff in June 2012 Array (MFAS AESA) radar kit with 360-degree traversal capability and Raytheon under-fuselage and nose-mounted electro-optical/infrared video turrets. MFAS AESA itself has been tested on Gulfstream II series aircraft.

The MQ-4C will also be equipped with a VHF-based identification system, allowing it to identify the position of sea-going vessels in real time.

While the final MQ-4C form will largely resemble the original RQ-4 Global Hawk and BAMS-D demonstrator, there will be some notable changes to its overall design. The MQ-4C will feature a domed belly fairing that houses the expected radar array as well as a small visual tracking system for the chin protrusion.

The engine air intakes are wrapped in titanium, while the wingspan is also longer, further enhancing the rigors of surface flight. With these notable exceptions, the Triton will have the same general exterior shape as the original Global Hawk, including its rear-mounted single-engine specification, straight-wing attachment, retractable tricycle landing gear and outswept vertical tail.

Unlike the smaller Predator and Reaper drones, the Global Hawk/Triton family is unarmed beyond its complex suite of sensors, cameras and communications equipment.

In operation, the Triton needs to reach an altitude of 50,000 feet and stay on station for up to 30 hours - allowing for intermittent missions that could theoretically last for weeks. Range requires a range of 2,300 miles (2,000 nautical miles) and is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan engine with 6,500 lbs to 9,000 lbs of thrust.

Top speed will be below 360 mph, and maximum service will be capped at 60,000 feet. Four employees will manage the ground station aspect of the Triton function.

The goal of the Triton program is to provide the U.S. Navy with an easy-to-manage, versatile UAV solution that relieves pilots of similar missions and avoids the use of more complex, older, and maintenance-intensive drones airplane. With threatening military budgets looming around the world, the U.S.

Navy has been forced to somewhat streamline its global operations. With the growing threat of instability in the Asian region, U.S. naval power may come into play in the near future, and systems like Triton could be put to good use.

The US Navy plans to put its fleet of Triton drones into active service in 2015. The first flight of the MQ-4C is expected in late 2012. The official unveiling took place in June 2012. About 30 Testbed Triton aircraft are expected to be purchased.

Tritons are said to be based in Hawaii, California, Florida, Italy, Japan and the British Indian Ocean (Diego Garcia).

The BAMS program earned Northrop Grumman a dollar. 16 billion procurement contracts.

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