Today, a U.S. Navy Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton (reg. 169660 -callsign BLACKCAT6), is conducting an extensive surveillance mission over the central Mediterranean Sea. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) took off at 12:01 AM UTC and performed a series of intricate maneuvers throughout its mission.
The UAV flew over international waters, conducting patterns southwest off western (Tripoli) and eastern Libya. The track shows the MQ-4C Triton operating at an altitude of 48,000 feet, maintaining a ground speed of 232 knots. The detailed flight path reveals a methodical surveillance operation, covering significant areas south of Malta and towards the Libyan coast.
The MQ-4C Triton is designed for broad-area maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its ability to cover vast areas and provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) makes it a critical asset for monitoring strategic maritime regions.