Northrop Grumman has awarded a second Australian supplier contract to Mincham Aviation for the US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) initial production lot.
South Australia-based Mincham Aviation will manufacture aircraft structure components for the first low-rate production lot of four Triton air vehicles. This second supplier contract follows one awarded in July to Ferra Engineering for mechanical sub-assemblies.
“We are pleased to be able to further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to developing and fostering capabilities in local supply chains,” CEO Northrop Grumman Australia Ian Irving said.
“We will continue to look to offer opportunities to quality-focused Australian companies to be involved in the production and sustainment of Triton, which will be one of the US Navy’s and Royal Australian Air Force’s key capabilities for many years to come.”
Northrop Grumman’s engagement with Mincham Aviation and Ferra Engineering were facilitated through the Australian Department of Defence’s Global Supply Chain program. Under the Global Supply Chain initiative, international companies such as Northrop Grumman can assess Australian industry and provide them the opportunity to compete for business around the world on a value-for-money basis.
Australian companies have also received requests from Northrop Grumman for quotations to provide components for follow-on low rate production lots. These industry opportunities include cables, complex machined and composite assemblies, as well as special tooling and test equipment.
Australian PM Tony Abbott announced his government's intent to purchase the Triton UAS for high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance missions in March 2014. Triton can fly missions up to 24 hours and at altitudes of over 55,000 feet, covering vast areas of ocean and coastal regions. Its unique sensor suite provides a continuous on-station presence in a 360-degree field of view for some of the most demanding surveillance missions.
South Australia-based Mincham Aviation is a product design authority/AS9100C and Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified company that services the aircraft and defence engineering industries and specialises in the manufacture and repair of advanced composite and sheet metal components.