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Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton
Photo: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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NorthropGrummanMQ-4CTriton

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2018
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NorthropGrummanMQ-4CTriton

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Photo: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
85
Endurance
90
Operating Altitude
88
Range
92
Data-Link
75
Stealth / Survivability
40
Image Quality
82
Autonomy
80
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
60
Origin United States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman Corporation
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraModern Era
In service2018
Operators3 countries
Quantity68
Data Quality84%
80
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
4/59
Modern Era
12/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
85
Endurance
90
Operating Altitude
88
Range
92
Data-Link
75
Stealth / Survivability
40
Image Quality
82
Autonomy
80
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
60
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton
Production
2018–
Quantity
68
Unit Price (current)
$128.2M↗ 28% inflation · 2018→2025
Original Price
$100.0M (2018)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · MODERN ERA
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
58
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$128.2M
Original: $100.0M (2018)
Inflation: +%28
80
reconnaissance / surveillance drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • UAV ClassHALE
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight2013
  • Service Entry Year2018
  • Primary RoleMaritime surveillance
  • In ServiceYes
◈Airframe6MOD.6
  • Length14.508 m
  • Wingspan39.898 m
  • Height4.6 m
  • Empty Weight6,779.052 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight14,630 kg
  • Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant5MOD.5
  • Engine TypeRolls-Royce AE 3007
  • Number of Engines1
  • Engine Power3,700 kW
  • Electric PropulsionNo
  • Propeller / ConfigurationNone
◇Performance6MOD.6
  • Top Speed575 km/h
  • Cruise Speed500 km/h
  • Service Ceiling17,000 m
  • Range15,200 km
  • Endurance30
  • Maximum Payload1,000 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production4MOD.4
  • Total Built48
  • Unit Cost100,000,000 USD
  • Operators2
  • Variants1
◎Service History2MOD.2
  • Production Start2013
  • Operational StatusLimited service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2018Production started
  2. 2026First deployment: 2026 Iran War
8
years in service
68
units produced
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory2country · 72units
72active
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C TritonSALES1records
YearBuyerQuantityAmountPresent Value (2025)
—Australia4——
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Automatic Takeoff/Landing is a UAV capability that enables a drone to initiate and complete takeoff and landing sequences autonomously using onboard sensors and control software.
Capable of performing tasks or missions without direct human control, using onboard systems to make decisions and execute actions.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar are airborne radar systems used to detect, track, and image moving or stationary targets on the ground, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →