WASHINGTON - A Northrop Grumann MQ-4C Triton drone equipped with a highly upgraded multi-intelligence package, called Integrated Functional Capability Four (IFC-4), has taken to the air for the first time. The turbofan-powered robotic aircraft in its new configuration is being developed by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force for advanced long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, David Szondy reports for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
August 20, 2021 -The turbofan-powered robotic aircraft in its new configuration is being developed by the Northrop Grumman Corp. Aeronautics Systems sector in San Diego for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for advanced long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Since its first test flight in 2013, the subsonic Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has grown in capabilities that have transformed it from a maritime-patrol remotely operated unmanned aircraft to a semi-autonomous UAV that could revolutionize how the Navy and the RAAF carry out maritime patrol and reconnaissance.
In its latest configuration, the MQ-4C Triton combines its High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) capabilities with multi-intelligence systems that bring to bear state-of-the-art radar and other sensors as well as very high-bandwidth multiple data feeds. This provides for much greater situational awareness.
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
