Northrop Grumman Corporation, on Thursday, Nov. 9, at its Palmdale Aircraft Integration Centre in California, successfully completed the first flight of Australia’s multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft. A significant production milestone has been reached with this flight, advancing Northrop Grumman’s plans to deliver Australia’s first Triton in 2024. The multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton, designed for the Royal Australian Air Force and the U.S. Navy, is the only unmanned, long-endurance, high-altitude aircraft capable of persistently gathering maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
The maiden flight took place at 11:56 a.m. PST and lasted for around six hours and twenty-four minutes in total. Tests for basic aircraft handling and airworthiness, including engine, flight control, and fuel system inspections, were carried out. The Australian government announced in September that a fourth aircraft will be added, strengthening the fleet’s resilience and enabling superior surveillance to continuously watch over and defend Australia’s maritime interests.