Newspaper: US loses $240 million drone in Gulf region

 

The U.S. Navy confirmed that an MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone crashed on April 9 in the Gulf region, according to Military Watch Magazine

The U.S. Navy confirmed that an MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone crashed on April 9 in the Gulf region, according to Military Watch Magazine.

The cause of the crash was attributed to a technical malfunction, but details surrounding the crash have not yet been released. After the aircraft suddenly disappeared while flying over the Gulf, multiple sources reported that it was shot down by Iranian air defenses, but this information remains unconfirmed by the US Navy.

MWM noted that "the MQ-4C is a rare and valuable aircraft, compared to the F-15E fighter jet, the MQ-9 drone, and other aircraft shot down by Iranian or allied forces."

The only American aircraft considered more valuable is the US Air Force's E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft, which was destroyed at an airbase in Saudi Arabia. However, the magazine points out that the E-3 is an older aircraft slated for retirement within the next fifteen years, while the MQ-4C is a more advanced platform still in production for the US Navy. 

Each MQ-4C drone is valued at between $235 million and $250 million, and due to the high price, only 20 of these aircraft, a modified version of the MQ-4 Global Hawk maritime patrol drone, have been operational. This drone has a range of up to 13,000 kilometers.

These drones are in particular demand in the Pacific region, although their ability to remain in the field has been questioned several times.

Key specifications of the MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone:

Manufacturer and operator : Northrop Grumman, Inc.For the benefit of the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)..

Type : High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Drone.

Dimensions : Length 14.5 meters (47.6 feet), Wingspan 39.9 meters (130.9 feet), Height 4.7 meters (15.4 feet).

Weight : Maximum takeoff weight 14,628 kg (32,250 lbs).

Engine : Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan.

Performance : Maximum speed 610 km/h (330 knots), maximum range 15,000 km (8,100 nautical miles), service ceiling 50,000 feet (15,240 meters).

Airborne stay : Up to more than 24 hours.

Payload : The maximum internal payload is approximately 1,452 kg (3,200 lbs).

Primary users : US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

Cost : The price of one aircraft is estimated at approximately US$235-250 million (according to the previous report).


 

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