The Navy’s Triton UAV has made its first flight with search radar.
The MQ-4C, equipped with the Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS), flew over Patuxent River on April 18. The MFAS provided the Triton with “a 360-degree view of a large geographic area while providing all-weather coverage to expedite detecting, classifying, tracking and identifying points of interest,” according to a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The MFAS performed in its primary operating mode, known as Maritime Surface Surveillance (MSS), which continuously scans a broad area.
“Our primary objective was to test this new radar, but we also looked at how the aircraft performed as well as testing additional data links,” said government flight test director Lt. Cmdr. Glenn Rioux. “This was a successful flight on many levels. We are still reviewing the data and actively planning our next test event.”
