Triton enters low-rate initial production

The Navy's MQ-4C Triton recently cleared a milestone decision authority, which green-lighted the program to enter low-rate initial production.

"Triton's critical technology is mature, and the system development and design review phases have been successful,”" Doug Shaffer, vice president of Triton programs for Northrop Grumman, said in a Sept. 26 statement. "Completion of the full system Operational Assessment (OA) testing exercised in various real-world scenarios validated the system's ability to protect the Navy's fleet from evolving threats."

Before entering milestone C, the Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron-1 (VX-20), Unmanned Patrol Squadron-19 (VUP-19) and Northrop Grumman each demonstrated the platform's reliability.

"Successful evaluation of Triton's time on station confirmed that it will meet flight duration requirements," according to the company statement. "Triton also transferred full-motion video to a P-8A Poseidon in flight, proving a key capability to significantly enhance its ability to detect, track, classify and identify maritime threats."

Pending a successful review, the Navy is planning to spend $619 million in FY-16 to purchase four aircraft. The service is requesting $464 million in FY-17 to buy two Tritons. The Navy plans to acquire a total of 66 aircraft as part of the program of record.