Triton completes operational assessment

The Navy recently wrapped up the operational assessment for the MQ-4C Triton, the final hurdle before the Pentagon can decide if the system should transition into low-rate initial production.

The service is completing final data analysis before a milestone C decision is made this spring. The Northrop Grumman-built Triton unmanned air vehicle completed about 60 flight hours during the assessment, according to a company statement.

"The aircraft system's ability to classify targets and disseminate critical data was also examined as part of the operational effectiveness and suitability testing," the statement reads.

Inside Defense reported last November that the OA began several months after it was originally anticipated because of continued integration work.