Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Flying Test Bed Demonstrates Targeting Capability During Northern Edge 2023

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Flying Test Bed Demonstrates Targeting Capability During Northern Edge 2023
by Staff Writers
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 16, 2023

Northrop Grumman Corporation's MQ-4C Triton, a flying test bed (FTB), successfully completed a demonstration of its persistent long-range targeting capabilities at the Northern Edge 2023 military training exercise conducted in the Gulf of Alaska. The Triton, which is set to achieve initial operational capability later this year, exhibited its potential to improve joint, distributed maritime operations and to augment sea-control in disputed environments.

The annual Northern Edge exercise aims to boost the readiness and operational skills of joint forces. As Capt. Josh Guerre, the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems program manager noted, "The ability to test and demonstrate critical long-range targeting capabilities with Triton helps ensure we're ready to effectively operate and respond to contingencies in the Pacific or anywhere in the world."

Over the course of seven days and several flights, the Triton FTB concentrated on tasking, collecting, processing, exploiting and disseminating information with the objective of maintaining a comprehensive common operating picture. It managed to track and monitor all maritime traffic within its extensive visual field throughout the exercise. The collected data was then transmitted to ground operators at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, who were able to process and disseminate the Gulf of Alaska maritime common operating picture to command and control units using Triton's Minotaur mission interface.

Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager of global surveillance at Northrop Grumman, emphasized that, "Northern Edge helps the joint force integrate platforms like Triton to outpace emerging threats." She further stated that "Testing and demonstrating Triton's developing technologies, along with its unprecedented maritime multi-intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability, helps ensure our warfighters can prevail in complex environments."

During the exercise, Triton demonstrated developing technologies that include artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge processing, and enhanced communications.

Triton's involvement in Northern Edge was carried out in conjunction with the U.S. Navy's Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262) and various operational commands.