Critical sensors for Block 40 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles have been delivered to the U.S. Air Force by Northrop Grumman.
The Global Hawk UAV can fly at altitudes up to as much as 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours per sortie at speeds approaching 340 knots. Northrop revealed that the MP-RTIP technology will enable detection of multiple stopped, slow and fast-moving objects on the ground in any weather, day or night.
The first product of the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program Sensor was integrated with the U.S. Air Force Block 40 Global Hawk at Edwards Air Force Base in California for the first time. The maiden MP-RTIP Global Hawk flight is scheduled to occur by early next year.
"The MP-RTIP equipped Global Hawk is an unprecedented combination because it provides greater situational awareness for the warfighter," said George Guerra, vice president High Altitude Long Endurance programs. "We are currently on track leading up to first flight and look forward to meeting all upcoming milestones to ensure we provide this critical resource to the warfighter as quickly as possible."
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems is the prime contractor for the Global Hawk and MP-RTIP programs.