Triton Starts Navy Testing

By Danielle Lucey

Northrop Grumman Corp. and the U.S. Navy have started ground testing a second Triton UAS in preparation for flight operations.



The Global Hawk variants are going through the tests to reduce the risks associated with software and subsystems before flying.



“Ground testing signifies our steady progress toward conducting Triton’s first flight,” says Steve Enewold, Northrop Grumman's vice president and program manager for Triton. “Through numerous engine runs and checks with communications systems between the aircraft and ground controllers, we can ensure that everything is working properly before entering taxi testing as the next step in our efforts.”



Triton is the name of the MQ-4Cs that will fill the Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program. The Navy calls for 68 systems to be built, with operational missions starting in 2015.