Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first flight of Australia’s MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft on 9 November at Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center in California.
The first flight occurred at 11:56am PST with a total flight time of approximately 6 hours and 24 minutes. Airworthiness evaluations, such as engine, flight control and fuel system checks, and basic aircraft handling tests were conducted throughout.
“We are leveraging our deep expertise in uncrewed high-altitude long endurance aircraft to enable Australia to establish a superior long range maritime surveillance capability to monitor and protect Australia’s maritime interests 24/7,” said Christine Zeitz, chief executive and general manager of Northrop Grumman Australia & New Zealand.
The four Australian Tritons are currently under contract and progressing as planned through their production schedules, with the first to delivered in 2024. Once they are completed and delivered, U.S. and Australian defence forces will be able to share data collected by their respective Tritons.
“Triton expands Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability by providing reliable real-time intelligence and situational awareness," said Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.
"Persistent surveillance enables better planning, greatly enhancing joint military responses and operations.”