Triumph Group has announced that, in conjunction with Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy, the company will be paving the way for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system to transition into the production and deployment phase, following the successful completion of Milestone C.
“Completing this milestone allows for the launch of Triton into low rate initial production (LRIP) one and two, which extends through 2018, with projected production accelerations through 2027. Triumph is committed to the success of the Triton program for the long run.”
Triumph worked closely with Northrop Grumman and the Navy to implement improvements to the fabrication and assembly processes for the Triton wings, yielding enhancements in wing quality and overall build efficiency. Additional investments in tooling and capital equipment, as well as increased resources and training, were made to prepare for the ramp in manufacturing rates. Triumph Group has delivered 48 high altitude long endurance wings to Northrop Grumman since 1999.
“We are proud of our partnership with Northrop Grumman and the Navy, and our efforts to advance the Triton UAS to Milestone C,” said Dan Crowley, Triumph Group president and CEO. “Completing this milestone allows for the launch of Triton into low rate initial production (LRIP) one and two, which extends through 2018, with projected production accelerations through 2027. Triumph is committed to the success of the Triton program for the long run.”
Triumph Group and Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing to collaborate and jointly take further actions to achieve the wing delivery plan and ramp-up production rates for the high altitude long endurance unmanned aircraft systems.
Since then, the companies have teamed together to utilize the experience of mechanics, engineers and support personnel to facilitate learning and assist in the production ramp. Collaboration between Triumph Group and the Northrop Grumman teams generated improvements throughout the manufacturing value stream that mitigate processing risks and eliminate waste in the production flow.
Triton Milestone C marks the first achievement of the two firms’ partnership since the signing of the MOU. The partnership demonstrates their commitment to the UAS programs and the mutual benefit of delivering high quality, affordable, compliant wings for high altitude long endurance systems.
