Page 12 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton conducts first flight in the multi-intelligence configuration.
MQ-4C Triton progressing to meet FAustralia’s critical maritime ISR needs
ollowing the full coalition withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan, Australia reflects on being a crucial ally in Global War on Terrorism following the 9/11 attacks. In November 2001 Australia became a critical waypoint for
the first operational deployment of Global Hawks in the U.S. military response to the terrorist attacks.
Australia’s first exposure to high-altitude, long-endurance un- manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance occurred in April 2001 when a U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk equipped with maritime modes arrived at Royal Australian Air Force Base Edin- burgh for a six-week demonstration.
The 2001 Global Hawk demonstration and ensuing deployment would play a role in Australia’s eventual entry into the cooperative development program with the U.S. Navy for the MQ-4C Triton, a maritime sibling of the Global Hawk.
The MQ-4C Triton is an unprecedented and unrivaled capa- bility. Because of its operating altitude and more than 24-hour endurance, Triton is able to surveil more than 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean and littorals in a single flight. Its unblinking multi-intelligence sensor suite will be able to detect nearly any activity in its coverage area.
The U.S. Navy completed first flight of the multi-intelligence config- uration of the Triton system in July, a critical milestone on the path to both the U.S. Navy’ and RAAF’s initial operating capability. Concurrent with testing and refining the multi-intelligence capability, Northrop
Grumman is utilizing a manned surrogate to evaluate Triton’s ability to meet other mission sets such as over-the-horizon targeting.
Today the first RAAF MQ-4C Triton fuselage is nearing build completion at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Moss Point, Mississippi.
Once finished, on track for November 2021, the fuselage will be transported to Palmdale, California where it will be wed to its wing and complete final assembly and test flights. The RAAF’s first Triton is on schedule to be complete and ready for delivery in 2023. ■
Jake Campbell, Triton program director, Northrop Grumman Australia.
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