The first serial MQ-4C Triton drone in the new IFC-4 configuration entered service with the US Navy

The US Navy received the first serial MQ-4C Triton drone in a new configuration. A new version drone, designed not only for reconnaissance, but also for target designation, received the designation IFC-4.

The IFC-4 Triton drone was delivered on February 1, 2022 to Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. As explained, this version of the UAV received a reinforced airframe, increased load, protection from hail, bird strikes and gusts of wind. For operations in northern latitudes at a lower altitude, the drone was equipped with an anti-icing system and lightning protection.

The IFC-4 Triton is equipped with a 360-degree multifunctional AFAR radar, video camera, electro-optical/infrared sensors, radio intelligence, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and relay equipment. The equipment allows you to exchange intelligence with patrol aircraft, as well as with ships and ground stations. This modification, according to the command of the US Navy, can replace the EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft, since it is capable of providing continuous monitoring of a large area for a long time.

Flight tests of the upgraded version of the MQ-4C took place on July 29, 2021. The drone will reach initial operational readiness in early 2023. The US Navy has previously announced plans to acquire 68 MQ-4C Tritons.

The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude long-range unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Northrop Grumman based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk drone and is designed for information collection, surveillance and reconnaissance in the coastal zone. Able to rise to a height of over 17 km, fly at speeds up to 575 km / h and stay in the air for up to 24 hours.

Comments

[Lycan]

Well, guys - "Beautiful design - work well"?
That will work - I have no doubt. But the fact that this is a uniform "Quasimodo" with an "udder" is obvious.

[Region39KGD]

In this "udder" there is a satellite communication dish, and why this type of communication is not in Russian BLP samples is a question.

[Genry]

Quote: Region39KGD

In this "udder" there is a satellite communication dish, and why this type of communication is not in Russian BLP samples is a question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiSBwrSlKag

[dauria]

In this "udder" is a satellite dish

The satellite dish is more expedient on the hump in the face, and point it up. And in the udder under the fairing, the mentioned AFAR with an additional mechanical all-round view.

[venik]

Quote: Region39KGD

and why there is no such type of connection in the Russian BLP samples.

======
NOT? Are you sure? WHAT IS THAT???

Che, do you really think that control "via satellite" is something EXOTIC for us? I can assure you: we still had such technologies BEFORE you were born!

[hump]

Because there are no brains and no industry

[venik]

Quote: Chepa

Because there are no brains and no industry

=======
You know, Yuri, if you have "no brains"(quote) - this does not mean at all that OTHERS do not have them (brains) either (those who at least do SOMETHING!)....

[Johnson Smithson]

Quote: Region39KGD

why there is no such type of connection in the Russian BLP samples is a question.

already have, recently there were pictures from the factory

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Quote: Region39KGD

In this "udder" is a satellite dish

Satellite antenna in the "hump" in the nose - such an antenna, of course, should look up at the satellite. In the "udder" - AFAR multifunctional radar AN / ZPY-3 (for example, to view the underlying surface)

[vkl.47]

But the characteristics of this miracle yudo letaka are not bad

[Lycan]

So I think: the main thing is the characteristics and ease of use, and not the notorious aesthetics (which can be "combed" according to the residual).

[ycuce234-san]

Quote: Lycan

and not the notorious aesthetics (which can be "combed" according to the residual)

Normanovsky "Design of habitual things". Not everything that looks ugly and archaic in industrial design is bad. And the MQ-4C Triton, apparently, is not easy to maintain and repair.

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Quote: ycuce234-san

MQ-4C Triton, apparently, is not easy to maintain, repair

why do you think so? The engine is on top, after dismantling the fairings, both it and its systems are accessible. Equipment either in removable cassettes, or access through large hatches and removable fairings.

[ycuce234-san]

Photos from the factory conditions. When heaps of technological hatches and holes are visible, it is clear that minor malfunctions will be fixed on the spot, but here it is necessary to remove the fairing in order to correct the poor electrical contact.
And it is not clear why to suffer so much - he has almost soaring wings, like a glider, and speed is clearly not the main priority. If you really want to have a solid fairing, then it must initially be implemented in such a way as to be able to roll it back on the technological trolley, leaving the frame itself to stand on the chassis.

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Quote: ycuce234-san

Photos from the factory

and it is here that the places of hatches and removable fairings are perfectly visible. On the finished painted car, it is not so noticeable that it opens and is removed.
The figure and photo show (did you look at them?) that the target equipment is made in a removable version, the number of hatches is more than sufficient and their size is not microscopic, while removable fairings generally give complete freedom of action. I don’t see any point in making some kind of hatches in the nose cone - why, if repair or replacement of the satellite dish is required, should it be removed entirely anyway?

It is frankly not clear your confidence that only multi-armed Shivas or octopuses, and in an amount of at least a dozen, can serve this drone.
However, the taste and color of all the markers are different.

[ycuce234-san]

Yes, not only highly qualified Shivas are needed there, but also consumables and all kinds of equipment at fierce prices. Maybe - and the construction of a special hangar or a special workshop.
Saw assessment for the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan (South Korea): 2013-14. selling price of 900 billion won (844,9 million dollars) for 4 pieces, the price presumably includes training + maintenance + (probably) disposal.
A flying coffin with hardcore aesthetics is better.

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Yes, the machine itself, consumables and maintenance equipment are not cheap. Meanwhile, the cost of a flight hour for the Global Hawk (the "big brother" of the Triton) is estimated at the level of the F-15C fighter.
Probably, you and I understand the meaning of the phrase "difficult to maintain" in a carved way.

[ycuce234-san]

And this despite the fact that he has a lot of standard mechanisms from manned aircraft.

Quote from Tomcat_Tomcat

Meanwhile, the cost of a flight hour for the Global Hawk (the "big brother" of the Triton) is estimated at the level of the F-15C fighter.

Therefore, for now he will be a "white elephant". It is better to spend the equivalent of these $844,9 million more practically now - for example, on obtaining a new generation of torpedoes or developing radar equipment for AWACS aircraft. Then it will be possible to catch up, since in subsonic aerodynamics they certainly won’t discover anything new - this is not once missed electronics.

[Lycan]

Sometimes, when it is required to fit the operator and a set of instruments in a small size, but good maintainability is required, then such strange-looking products are obtained. And if someone strongly asks for "good aero quality" - then the dimensions immediately grow ... and for their maneuverability - a more advanced set of stabilization, power plants, auxiliary. systems, a control complex ... In short - each such is multifunctional. The publication is largely the result of a compromise. Well, with Triton, I'm sure the same. If it is launched in regions where no one is likely to shoot it down (especially at altitudes up to 17 km), it is quite possible to "put the operator in the office" and sacrifice advanced flight geometry. All you need is a streamlined "container" with instruments, a reliable engine, the system is remote. management and encryption. channel. And in this situation - let him at least look like a kikimora.

[ycuce234-san]

Quote: Lycan

All you need is a streamlined "container" with instruments, a reliable engine, the system is remote. management and encryption. channel. And in this situation - let him at least look like a kikimora.

Yes, he is the same device. It was invented for unmanned search over the sea, so it should have a target maximum in terms of fuel and economy. And also it must be refueling. But refueling has not happened since the 90s.

[Lycan]

Quote: ycuce234-san

The target maximum should be in terms of fuel quantity and economy. And also it must be refueling.

I agree.

Quote: ycuce234-san

But refueling has not happened since the 90s.

If you really need it, you won’t be able to survive at all - they will attach some kind of compacted and self-centering (with stabilizers and auto-grippers) "trunk".

[Thrifty]

And, how much does it cost? And, is it possible to optionally install weapons?

[AlexG83]

Quote: Thrifty

And, how much does it cost? And, is it possible to optionally install weapons?

The world will pay. He doesn’t need weapons, everything is full of radars there. I understand it so well, of course, but this thing is quite dangerous, and they can rivet them like pies. We have begun to do this, but of course, in smaller dimensions.

[Lycan]

I suppose that in terms of armaments - focusing on other models.
This one is part of the BAMS (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance) program. (Vika)
Armament also involves dodging enemy ammunition, and this product can hardly be called maneuverable. Maybe there are some emergency "countermeasures" against unexpected surprises from the enemy, but definitely not for the height of an air battle.

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Quote: Thrifty

And, how much does it cost? And, is it possible to optionally install weapons?

there are no weapons yet, but there are plans to install them. From air-to-surface missiles to anything defensive. The machine is very expensive, it costs about 150 million US rubles, and it is very unpleasant to lose one. Moreover, there was already a precedent - Iranian air defense in June 2019 landed a Global Hawk missile

[Sergey K.]

this device has a payload - communications and intelligence - from optics to radar. For strikes, the MQ-9 Reaper is designed, which can carry missiles and / or bombs.

[ROSS_51]

Quote: Lycan

Well, guys - "Beautiful design - work well"?
That will work - I have no doubt. But the fact that this is a uniform "Quasimodo" with an "udder" is obvious.

Quasimodo? Beautiful, perfect aerodynamic shape. It is a pity that we are still far from such splendor.

[Huron]

This is no longer a "quasimodo", but looks like someone else's. That's what I'm asking you to write..

[Gvardeetz77]

The Americans have some kind of dynasty of designers with a non-standard perception of the world: first F117 and B2, then Zamwalt, now this ...

[Lycan]

They have "designs", we have "names".

[Bez 310]

We don't have those...
And it is very necessary!

[dauria]

We don't have those...
And it is very necessary!

Mikhail, who will write stories in 30 years? There are no brave guys there, but a bespectacled nerd is sitting in a bunker. There are only Kalman-Bucy filters in my head. Coffee, air conditioning. Maybe the girls at school didn’t even look at him. Yes, and the machine itself will do everything - and take off, and fly by, and return, and sit down. Where is the romance?

[aleksr2005]

Americans know how to do not only effective things, but also beautiful in design.

[AlexG83]

Quote: aleksr2005

Americans know how to do not only effective things, but also beautiful in design.

Well, yes, they ate themselves after the collapse of the CCCP. In my opinion, we can do no worse than that.

[fa2998]

Quote: AlexG83

In my opinion, we can do no worse than that.

Quote: AlexG83

In my opinion, we can do no worse than that.

Name the brand of our analogue "Triton" Not even close! We know how to draw, make computer graphics, and models.

[AlexG83]

Quote: fa2998

Quote: AlexG83

In my opinion, we can do no worse than that.

Quote: AlexG83

In my opinion, we can do no worse than that.

Name the brand of our analogue "Triton" Not even close! We know how to draw, make computer graphics, and models.

Ka-50 for example (not an UAV, of course, but as an example).

[DominickS]

"No worse" we still only know how to make layouts.

[Flooding]

“Flames come out of his mouth, fiery sparks jump out;
smoke comes out of his nostrils, as from a boiling pot or cauldron.
His breath kindles coals, and a flame comes out of his mouth.

[vintorez]

Good device, we need these.

[evgen1221]

But we have the largest yachts in the world! though not only for everyone, but we are ordered to be proud of the sun-faced.

[vintorez]

We will reforge yachts into aircraft carriers, or at least into helicopter carriers.

[Sergei Zabelin]

First you need to shackle the owners of these yachts

[Oleg-Monino]

First of all, we need electronic warfare systems, which these devices will land on our airfields

[vintorez]

We do not have such electronic warfare systems, there is a good protection system.

[Oleg-Monino]

Our developments were largely aimed at countering NATO attack systems (for example, the northern radar belt). This drone can fly according to the program, but still receive data from navigation satellites. But if Kosukha does not help, then the S-400 is always ready.

[vintorez]

The S-400 has not yet shown itself anywhere and has not shot down a single aircraft, how it will show itself is not known.

[poquello]

Quote: Oleg-Monino

But if Kosukha does not help, then the S-400 is always ready.

this is just the case when a shot is clearly cheaper than a downed apparatus

[highlight]

long-range high-altitude marine reconnaissance, "sees" at 400-600 km. what kind of rab will get him there at such a distance. This is not a Turkish drone.
A good thing, it can replace a low orbit satellite and is much more flexible than a satellite when redirecting to another square.
And we no longer have naval reconnaissance aviation, there are a handful of antique Su-24s left.

[Johnson Smithson]

Quote: clou

long-range high-altitude naval reconnaissance, "sees" at 400-600 km

even the F22 doesn’t see that far, but the UAV can, of course, yes))

[Victorio]

on plans to acquire 68 MQ-4C Triton
===
yes, it won’t be enough, then they’ll print more green ones

[Momento]

rubles are printed in the same way as dollars. The Central Bank throws out rubles only for the currency bourgeoisie and buys up half a billion dollars a day.

[rocket757]

The first serial MQ-4C Triton drone in the new IFC-4 configuration entered service with the US Navy

. So everything is correct ... they create and complete a new info structure that will ensure the network interaction of many elements, including combat ones, into one whole.
This can become very effective and a big problem for their opponent.
It is reasonable to go in the same direction and undoubtedly have the means to counter the enemy.
It will not work otherwise.

[tralflot1832]

Pearl Harbor taught them a lot, they don't want a surprise!

[Opiuk]

His range and reconnaissance capabilities are, of course, superb.

[shahor]

Quote: Opiuk

His range and reconnaissance capabilities are, of course, superb.

Forgot about target designation, the most important function. In our country, for example, target designation for the Dagger is issued by the IL-38 Novella. To generate data for the control center for the AUG, the aircraft must hover for 15-20 minutes at a distance of 300-350 km from this AUG. How long do you think it will hang there during the special period? And what to do with the dagger?

[poquello]

Quote: shahor

In our country, for example, target designation for the Dagger is issued by the IL-38 Novella. To generate data for the control center for the AUG, the aircraft must hover for 15-20 minutes at a distance of 300-350 km from this AUG.

Why not two days?

[shahor]

Quote: poquello

Why not two days?

Strain your thinking apparatus - suddenly realize!

[poquello]

Quote: shahor

Quote: poquello

Why not two days?

Strain your thinking apparatus - suddenly realize!

yes, just strained, unlike you

[shahor]

Quote: poquello

yes, just strained, unlike you

They strained badly. Need to fix. Read the article by A. Timokhin Marine target designation previously published on this resource. There is even a cycle of 3 articles. Look in the archive. You will learn a lot of new things for yourself on this topic and about pink ponies.

[poquello]

Quote: shahor

You will learn a lot of new things for yourself on this topic and about pink ponies.

or about Timokhin? and here Kaptsov wrote a lot, there’s not even enough for a cycle for a book

[shahor]

Quote: poquello

or about Timokhin? and here Kaptsov wrote a lot, there’s not even enough for a cycle for a book

Dont worry. I understand. Reading for a person "What?" - a task ... unpleasant. I dare not delay.

[poquello]

Quote: shahor

Quote: poquello

or about Timokhin? and here Kaptsov wrote a lot, there’s not even enough for a cycle for a book

Dont worry. I understand. Reading for a person "What?" - a task ... unpleasant. I dare not delay.

of course, well, do not pull this cycle here line by line

[ximkim]

In Russia, a UAV of this class will not appear soon, since the Russian military does not have such a front of work.

[Dikson]

Cool pepelats .. we are 15 years old to poke around in Chinese spare parts .. Or drag our electronics, clenching our teeth, into a brighter future ..

[Fungus]

Altius we have. The parameters are similar. So you don't have to wait 15 years.

[highlight]

different class of car. where the triton works, the altius will not even fly in height or range.

[hump]

Probably dreamed. We don't even have our own engine.

[Dikson]

By what parameters??? - two wings, fuselage and tail? )))

[6erJIblu]

Hmm... Fuck he's healthy! Toto I was surprised at its range, I just could not imagine its size.!

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Quote: 6erJIblu

Hmm... Fuck he's healthy! Toto I was surprised at its range, I just could not imagine its size.!

yes, healthy shit. It was made on the basis of the Global Hawk strategic intelligence officer. Length 14 meters, wingspan 40 meters.

[Sands Careers General]

Looks like a plus size model
Well, let's see where this hippopotamus will fly))

[fa2998]

Quote: shahor

Quote: Opiuk

His range and reconnaissance capabilities are, of course, superb.

Forgot about target designation, the most important function. In our country, for example, target designation for the Dagger is issued by the IL-38 Novella. To generate data for the control center for the AUG, the aircraft must hover for 15-20 minutes at a distance of 300-350 km from this AUG. How long do you think it will hang there during the special period? And what to do with the dagger?

And what will the same 15-20 minutes do. dozens of AUG fighters? An Il-38 veteran is a tempting target. Yes, and the ships of the warrant have long-range air defense missiles. Will they sit straight and wait for the "Dagger"? I doubt it!

[hump]

It’s a pity that our drone level has only reached the level of baywright. We are completely behind

[Dkuznecov]

We are not far behind.
This is a processing method.
Good in competition.
At the moment, we have not been able to.
This is the result method.

[riwas]

On June 20, 2019, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran shot down an RQ-4A UAV over the Strait of Hormuz, near the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan.

I wonder what means of self-defense are on this modification and how effective they are.

For the transmission of intelligence information, the Triton has advanced communications equipment, a vessel positioning device and radar signal detection detectors. Also, these drones, most likely for the purpose of self-defense, will be equipped with modern means of electronic countermeasures.

https://topwar.ru/59756-strategicheskiy-razvedyvatelnyy-bespilotnik-rq-4s-triton.html

[Zoomlion]

Serious fool