This website uses cookies to manage authentication, navigation, and other functions. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.

U.S. Navy Stands-Up VUP-19, the First MQ-4C Triton UAS Operational Squadron at NAS Jacksonville

a
Naval Forces News - USA
 
 
 
U.S. Navy Stands-Up VUP-19, the First MQ-4C Triton UAS Operational Squadron at NAS Jacksonville
 
The U.S. Navy stood-up Unmanned Patrol Squadron VUP-19, the first ever unmanned-only squadron, on 28 October 2016 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. By the end of next year, VUP-19 will receive its first Northrop Grumman-built MQ-4C Triton unmanned air systems (UAS). VUP-19 role will be training as well as developing new tactics, especially alongside the P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). NAS Jacksonville is the base of several Patrol Squadrons deploying the P-8A and the older P-3 Orion MPAs.
     
MQ 4C Triton UAS US NavyThe U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (U.S. Navy photo)
     
The MQ-4C Triton will be a forward- deployed, land-based, autonomously operated system that provides persistent ISR within a range of 2,000 nautical miles using a multi-sensor mission payload including maritime radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and basic communications relay.

The U.S. Navy plans to order a total of 68 aircraft from Northrop Grumman, with the goal of having the first aircraft operational by 2017. The MQ-4C Triton will be a forward deployed, land-based, autonomously operated system that provides a persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability using a multi-sensor mission payload.

Link to MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system technical datasheet