MQ-4C Triton joins fleet

Northrop Grumman's Triton unmanned aircraft began flight operations in the Navy's fleet May 31, according to a company statement.

Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP)-19 DET, a maintenance detachment, will be based at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. Maintainers are conducting training and testing on the first two Tritons before those aircraft deploy to Guam later this year, the statement said.

The MQ-4C Triton is an unmanned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that can fly for up to 24 hours and reach altitudes of up to 55,000 feet.