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Northrop Grumman Corporation has proven it can connect airborne platforms with naval assets, during a flight test demonstration using its gateway system.
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The successful result was conducted with Naval Air Systems Command, Office of Naval Research, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and BAE Systems, before being announced on February 13.
The airborne gateway equipped on Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton Flying Test Bed, was able to share fifth-generation sensor data to ground-based mock-ups of a F-35, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, U.S. Navy Aegis class destroyers and carrier strike groups.
Northrop Grumman network information solutions vice president and general manager Ben Davies said the addition of the gateway on Triton expands data sharing and improves the warfighter’s ability to make decisions faster across a diverse environment.
“Our gateways provide an open, secure and resilient solution needed to enable information advantage for our customers,” he said.
“This powerful combination expands the mission sets of maritime platforms to deliver a seamlessly connected fleet; a critical step as the U.S. Navy achieves its naval operational architecture to enable distributed maritime operations.”
Northrop Grumman global surveillance vice president and general manager Jane Bishop said the company’s systems brings enhanced interoperability between joint and coalition forces across air and sea.
“Triton’s altitude, persistence, and robust communication links make it an ideal candidate to host the Gateway system,” she said.
Northrop Grumman recently demonstrated another gateway solution and also unveiled Australia’s first Triton. Australia's first Triton is expected to conduct its first test flight later this year, with the second Triton recently successfully completing its 'wing-mating' procedure and the third Triton expected to complete its 'wing-mating' later in 2023.
“This demonstration highlighted gateway technology enhancements to Triton that would enable information dominance across distributed maritime assets; including access to the F-35’s robust sensor suite and the E-2D’s battle management capabilities.”
Remotely flying out of RAAF Tindal and supported by key infrastructure based at RAAF Edinburgh, South Australia, the Tritons are capable of monitoring 40,000 square kilometres a day and seamlessly flying a round trip for sustained surveillance and in support of allied freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea from the Northern Territory – increasing Australia’s interoperability with key allies, particularly the US.
The Triton is designed to operate in conjunction with Australia’s planned fleet of 12 manned P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.
The nation's Tritons provide a quantum leap in the nation’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while the facilities and crew required to operate, train and maintain will be part of the initial $1.4 billion investment, which includes $364 million on new facilities at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Tindal (in NT).
