The Department of Defense (DoD) announced on 13 July that Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. is awarded USD41,2 million contract modification for work on the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle.

The contract covers the maintenance and logistics support services to sustain MQ-4C Triton unmanned air system (UAS) air vehicles, mission control and operator training systems.

Also in a statement by the DoD added that in addition, this delivery order provides for technical support from field service representatives to ensure that the MQ-4C UAS aircraft are mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions supporting Triton’s early operating capability.

Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland; Point Mugu, California; Jacksonville, Florida; and Yigo, Guam, and is expected to be completed in March 2019.

According to the Northrop Grumman, Based on the proven Global Hawk platform, the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions.

The company noted that Triton incorporates a reinforced airframe, for increased internal payload, and wing for hail, bird strike, and gust load protection, along with de-icing and lightning protection systems. These features allow the aircraft to descend and ascend through harsh maritime weather environments to gain a closer view of ships and other targets at sea when needed.

The MQ-4C completed its ninth trial flight in January 2014 and operational assessment (OA) in February 2016. The US Navy intends to procure 68 MQ-4C Triton UAS to carry out surveillance missions, along with the manned P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

MQ-4C Triton Systems Capabilities