Posted on 08/02/2003 2:17:54 PM PDT by BenLurkin
"COMING-OUT PARTY - Northrop Grumman employees stand at parade rest as the first production unit of the Air Force's RQ-4A Global Hawk is unveiled during a rollout ceremony held Friday at the company's hangar at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale. The futuristic-looking aircraft is a high-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aerial reconnaissance system." EVELYN KRISTO/Valley Press
'Of the aircraft's 3,000 flight hours, half were logged during combat.
One demonstrator was used to fly 3% of the intelligence imagining missions over Iraq, accounting for 55% of the time-sensitive targets identified, he said.'
"Global Hawk, which has a wingspan of 116 feet (35.3 meters) and is 44 feet (13.4 meters) long, can range as far as 12,000 nautical miles, at altitudes up to 65,000 feet (19,812 meters), flying at speeds approaching 340 knots (about 400 mph) for as long as 35 hours. During a typical mission, the aircraft can fly 1,200 miles to an area of interest and remain on station for 24 hours. Its cloud-penetrating, Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator, electro-optical and infrared sensors can image an area the size of Illinois (40,000 nautical square miles) in just 24 hours. Through satellite and ground systems, the imagery can be relayed in near-real-time to battlefield commanders.
When fully-fueled for flight, Global Hawk weighs approximately 25,600 pounds (11,612 kilograms). More than half the UAV's components are constructed of lightweight, high-strength composite materials, including its wings, wing fairings, empennage, engine cover, engine intake and three radomes. Its main fuselage is standard aluminum, semi-monocoque construction."
Just imagine what they could do if they had several of these in use constantly covering a region. The more of these flying, the smaller an area each one has to scan, and images could be sent more quickly to the decision makers. If several of these were in the air, one could be diverted to take frequent looks at suspicious areas. Virtually real-time intelligence all the time!
Or even better, mount out some Phoenix missiles for when some enemy schmo decides he wants a piece of it. Mach 5 and an engagement envelope of 100 miles.
Don't think for a minute they are stopping the upgrades on the B model. IMHO, the C, D, & E models are already on the drawing board with a mutitude of goodies to be added.
I also like the name "Global Hawk".....it has a mind picture of a powerful raptor, searching patiently for all the mice, RATS and other vermin scurrying across the desert, soon to be pounced on, unsuspectingly.
Still remember the first time I saw a proto-type as a static displayat the Edwards AFB Open House/Airshow. A real eye-opener.
It's good to see they are now moving ahead with production.
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