The anticipated completion date for the project is January 2028. The funding breakdown includes fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds amounting to $411,380,298, fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds totaling $971,678, and Royal Australian Air Force cooperative funds of $40,000,000. These funds will be obligated at the time of award, with $971,678 set to expire at the conclusion of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is overseen by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland.
The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton stands as an American high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) meticulously developed for deployment and operation by the United States Navy in the capacity of a surveillance aircraft. Functioning in tandem with its dedicated ground control station, it forms an integral part of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Originating from the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program, the Triton is purpose-built to execute real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions (ISR) across extensive oceanic and coastal expanses.
The MQ-4C demonstrates remarkable endurance, capable of remaining airborne for over 30 hours at an altitude of 55,000 ft (17,000 m) and reaching speeds of up to 330 knots (380 mph; 610 km/h). Its primary surveillance sensor is the AN/ZPY-3 Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) X-band AESA radar, featuring a 360-degree field-of-regard. This advanced radar system can survey an expansive area, covering 2,700,000 sq mi (7,000,000 km2) of sea, shoreline, or land within a 24-hour period, or 2,000 sq mi (5,200 km2) in a single sweep.
Utilizing the radar in inverse synthetic aperture mode, the MFAS excels in identifying targets under all weather conditions. It has the capability to capture high-definition radar images, followed by the use of sophisticated image and radar return recognition software within the onboard Automatic Identification System (AIS). This allows the Triton to autonomously classify targets without requiring direct intervention from aircraft operators.
In a demonstration of its semi-autonomous capabilities designed to optimize manpower, operators are only tasked with selecting an operating area for the aircraft, setting speed, altitude, and objectives, as opposed to managing intricate operational controls. This streamlined approach enhances operational efficiency and underscores the MQ-4C Triton’s adaptability to diverse surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
An essential feature designed into the Triton is its ability to execute rapid descents to lower altitudes. This capability is facilitated by a reinforced lower fuselage, ensuring durability against encounters with hail, birds, and lightning strikes. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with anti-icing systems on its wings to enhance operational resilience in challenging environmental conditions.
When operating at lower altitudes, the Triton employs its Raytheon MTS-B multi-spectral Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor. This advanced sensor is further enhanced with a laser designator, pointer, and range-finding capabilities, allowing it to automatically track and respond to the targets identified by the MFAS. This integrated system underscores the Triton’s adaptability, combining robust design elements with cutting-edge sensor technology to effectively carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions at varying altitudes with precision and efficiency.
