Navy

Flight test

The Navy recently demonstrated two key capabilities for the Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS) program that will enhance future fleet operations. During a flight test June 2, an MQ-4C Triton and P-8A Poseidon successfully exchanged full motion video for the first time inflight via a Common Data Link (CDL), marking another interoperability step for the program.

The MQ-4C Triton prepares for a flight test in June 2016 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. During two recent tests, the Unmanned Air System completed its first heavy weight flight and demonstrated its ability to communicate with the P-8 aircraft while airborne (U.S. Navy photo)
The MQ-4C Triton prepares for a flight test in June 2016 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. During two recent tests, the Unmanned Air System completed its first heavy weight flight and demonstrated its ability to communicate with the P-8 aircraft while airborne (U.S. Navy photo)

The test demonstrated Triton’s ability to track a target with its electro-optical/infrared camera to build situational awareness for a distant P-8 aircrew.

«In an operational environment, this would enable the P-8 aircrew to become familiar with a contact of interest and surrounding vessels well in advance of the aircraft’s arrival in station», said Commander Daniel Papp, Triton integrated program team lead.

The MQ-4C Triton’s ability to perform persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance within a range of 2,000 nautical miles/2,302 miles/3,704 km will allow the P-8A aircraft to focus on their core missions.

Last week also marked the completion of Triton’s first heavy weight flight that will expand Triton’s estimated time on station significantly. Triton operated in the 20,000 foot/6,096 m altitude band in the heavy weight configuration for the first time and completed all test objectives. A second heavy weight flight on June 14 had Triton operating in the 30,000 foot/9,144 m altitude band.

«The heavy weight envelope expansion work will enable Triton to realize its long dwell capability and become the unblinking eye for the fleet», Papp added.

Triton is designed to fly missions of up to 24 hours at altitudes over 10 miles/16 km high, allowing the system to monitor two million square miles of ocean and littoral areas at a time. Since its first flight in 2013, Triton has flown more than 455 flight hours. The U.S. Navy will continue testing Triton at Patuxent River to prepare for its first planned deployment in 2018.

 

Specifications

Wingspan 130.9 feet/39.9 m
Length 47.6 feet/14.5 m
Height 15.4 feet/4.6 m
Gross Take-Off Weight (GTOW) 32,250 lbs/14,628 kg
Maximum Internal Payload 3,200 lbs/1,452 kg
Maximum External Payload 2,400 lbs/1,089 kg
Self-Deploy 8,200 NM/9,436 miles/15,186 km
Maximum Altitude 56,500 feet/17,220 m
Maximum Velocity, TAS (True Air Speed) 331 knots/381 mph/613 km/h
Maximum Endurance 24 hours