Northrop Grumman unveils first MQ-4C Triton drone for Royal Australian Air Force

Northrop Grumman held a presentation in California of the first MQ-4C Triton drone, which will be delivered to the Royal Australian Armed Forces. The event took place at the long-range aircraft manufacturing plant.

Here's What We Know

Australia has ordered seven drones from Northrop Grumman. Works on the MQ-4C Triton began in mid-fall 2020 at the facility in Moss Point, Mississippi. Production of the first drone will be completed in 2023, and shipped to Australia in 2024.

The MQ-4C Triton drones will be stationed at the Royal Air Force's Tindal Air Base, but will perform major operations from Edinburgh Base. Marshal Robert Chipman said the Triton would be paired with the P-8A Poseidon and would be able to cover large areas over long distances.

Flashback

The MQ-4C Triton is an American long range and high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle. It is based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The key changes are lightning strike protection, reinforced design and de-icing system.

The strategic maritime reconnaissance drone made its first flight in 2013. The cost of MQ-4C Triton is more than $100 million, while almost $13 billion was invested in its development. The drone can reach a speed of 610 km/h. The flight range is 15,200 km, duration is 30 hours and altitude is 17 km.

Source: Northrop Grumman

Images: Wikipedia, Flug Revue