The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system approaches the runway at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing its inaugural cross-country flight from California. The Navy will conduct Triton flight tests at Patuxent River in preparation for an operational deployment in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler)
By Richard Abott |
6 years ago |
09/14/2018

The Navy has ordered an operational stand down of its first MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 following a recent crash landing at the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Calif.

During a test flight on Wednesday, one of two Tritons posted to the base experienced an inflight mechanical issue. Pilots shut down the engine then attempted to land the unmanned aircraft on a base runway, but the landing gear did not deploy. The aircraft landed, but the landing gear was still retracted (Defense Daily, Sept. 13).

The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system approaches the runway at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing its inaugural cross-country flight from California. The Navy will conduct Triton flight tests at Patuxent River in preparation for an operational deployment in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler)
The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system approaches the runway at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing its inaugural cross-country flight from California. The Navy will conduct Triton flight tests at Patuxent River in preparation for an operational deployment in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler)

Cmdr. Dave Hecht, a spokesman for the Naval Air Force Atlantic, told Defense Daily today that the flight suspension is a result of the mishap while the Navy investigates. Although unsure of how long the suspension will last, he said the investigation could take a few months.

Hecht added the damage to the Triton is expected to exceed $2 million, making it a Class A aviation mishap.

The Navy started Triton flight operations at NBVC in June where maintainers are conducting training and tests on the first MQ-4Cs before they are planned to be deployed to Guam later this year (Defense Daily, June 1).

The Triton is built by Northrop Grumman [NOC].