Navy accepts first MQ-4C Triton unmanned maritime patrol aircraft

Northrop Grumman delivered the first operational MQ-4C Triton aircraft to the U.S. Navy at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. Northrop Grumman, before delivering the first Triton, in April received $19.9 million for engineering and analysis of obsolescence issues with the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In May, the company received an additional $49.4 million contract for parts, material and labor required for the maintenance of the MQ-4C unmanned aircraft system in accordance with planned production. The MQ-4C Triton, a derivative of the RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance UAV, is designed as a sensor platform for long-range and high-endurance surveillance missions over ocean and coastal areas.