RQ-4 Modernization
Abstract
MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS). The popular name Triton was approved for the MQ-4C UAS in June 2012, designating the RQ-4 Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAS as the MQ-4C Triton. Triton Early Operational Capability (EOC) was successfully deployed in 2020. The MQ-4C Triton is a high altitude-long endurance UAS designed to provide Fleet and combatant commanders with persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) of nearly all the world's high-density sea-lanes, littorals, and areas of national interest. The MQ-4C air vehicle, mission control system, specialized sensors, and communications suite play a significant role in achieving the Navy's strategic vision for the 21st century. The Triton system provides persistent ISR and unparalleled situational awareness of the maritime battle space to the supported combatant commander and fleet commander. The system also serves as a Fleet response plan enabler with a persistent, global force offering to provide critical trip wire information for intelligence preparation of the environment. Triton provides the Warfighter with unprecedented levels of battlespace awareness to synchronize actions necessary to maintain maritime Full Spectrum Superiority. Teamed with its manned-capability counterpart, the P-8A, Triton is a key component of the Navy's maritime domain awareness family of systems. MQ-4C Triton leverages Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force manpower, training and maintenance efficiencies. Following successful EOC deployment, the MQ-4C Triton UAS will develop incremental capabilities within the ongoing acquisition program to meet program requirements in support of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) enabling EP-3 sundown and the Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR-T) transition plan. Increment 1 upgrades to the EOC system support program Initial Operational Capability (IOC) meeting NDAA 2011 requirements enabling MISR-T transition and EP-3 sundown. Increment I provides Multi-Intelligence capabilities, Counter Electronic Attack upgrades, and data dissemination across multiple classification domains. Increment 2 provides Multi-UA command and control, weather avoidance overlays, expanded flight envelope through icing conditions, Sense and Avoid (SAA), J11 message set for weapons targeting, and Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) Radar upgrades as well as addressing required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. The full MQ-4C Triton sensor suite will provide near worldwide coverage through a network of orbits inside and outside continental United States, with sufficient air vehicles to remain airborne for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, out to ranges of 2,000 nautical miles. Onboard sensors will provide detection, classification, tracking and identification of maritime targets and include maritime radar, electro-optical/infra-red and SIGINT systems. Additionally, the MQ-4C communications relay capability will link dispersed forces in the theater of operations and allow Triton to serve as a node in the Navy's networked strategy. Tactical-level data analysis will occur in real-time at shore-based mission control sites connected to the air vehicle via satellite communications. Further intelligence exploitation can be conducted at Fleet shore-based sites or aboard aircraft carriers and other ships.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 2939_0305421N_7_1319_PB_2023
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