Triton to take EP-3 role

The Navy will field low- and high-band signals receivers on the unmanned MQ-4C Triton starting in fiscal year 2021, adding to the Triton's Northrop-designed maritime patrol radar, said Sean Burke NAVAIR's Triton program manager. That multi-intelligence suite of sensors will enable the Navy to proceed with plans to retire the Lockheed Martin EP-3E ARIES II, the subset of the P-3C fleet tasked with eavesdropping on communications and other transmissions. (Source: FlightGlobal, 12/22/16) Gulf Coast note: The Triton is a Navy variant of the Global Hawk. Fuselage work for all variants of the system is done by Northrop Grumman in Moss Point, Miss.