Navy Tests Data Exchange Between Triton UAS, Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The U.S. Navy has tested the communication features of Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system during a flight test held June 2 at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.

MQ-4C Triton exchanged full-motion video data with a Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft during the demonstration, the Navy said Wednesday.

The test aimed to evaluate how Triton could track a target with the drone’s electro-optical/infrared camera in order to provide situational data to P-8 aircrew.

“In an operational environment, this would enable the P-8 aircrew to become familiar with a contact of interest and surrounding vessels well in advance of the aircraft’s arrival in station,” said Cmdr. Daniel Papp, Triton integrated program team lead at the Navy.

Triton also completed its first heavy weight flight after the aircraft operated in the heavy weight configuration at 20,000 feet and fulfilled the test objectives.