Video has been released of the Northrop Grumman-built Triton unmanned aircraft system’s first flight, which was completed from the company’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif., May 22.
The 80 minute flight successfully demonstrated control systems that allow Triton to operate autonomously. Triton is specially designed to fly surveillance missions up to 24 hours at altitudes of more than 10 miles, allowing coverage out to 2,000 nautical miles. The system’s advanced suite of sensors can detect and automatically classify different types of ships.
The U.S. Navy video, courtesy of Northrop Grumman, can be viewed below:
