MQ-4C Triton to spy on North Korea

The U.S. is to deploy its largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the Pacific island of Guam for the first time, amid ongoing tension with North Korea and conflict with China over the South China Sea

Propulsion: Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan engine, 8,500lb (37.8kN) thrust 

Automatic Identification System (AIS): Detects and tracks vessels equipped with AIS responders

Engine inlet: Prevents ice build-up

Electronic support measures: Identifies and locates radar signals

Fuselage: Triton builds on elements of Global Hawk UAV while incorporating reinforcements to airframe and wing to allow rapid change of altitude

ZPY-3 Multifunction Active Sensor Radar: Provides 360-degree view of large geographic area

Multispectral Targeting System: Electro-optical/ infrared camera captures high-resolution images and video


MQ-4C TRITON SPECIFICATIONS 
Wingspan: 40m   Length: 14.5m 
Weight: 14.6 tonnes
Height (Max. takeoff): 4.6m

Max. cruise speed: 590km/hr
Ceiling:           16,000km+ 
Endurance:         24hr+ 
Range:             15,000km

Five operating bases will eventually support global Triton operations 
North Korea
Guam 
South China Sea

Triton will provide maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data
24 hours/7 days a week in conjunction with P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft

Sources: Aviation Week, Northrop Grumman, Naval Air Systems Command
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