RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 20 program makes huge leap forward

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Beale's Global Hawk program recently took a significant step forward in preparation for the Initial Operations Test and Evaluation of the Block 20 and 30, two far-more capable versions of the aircraft. 

The Block 10 was the first production model of the aircraft. Beale will soon receive several Block 20's; a larger version with numerous technological upgrades, according to officials. 

A group of six Beale pilots recently returned as instructors from a week-long instructor training course at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The course prepared these pilots for the March developmental testing flight events that will be followed by the August IOT&E. The instructors specifically garnered the needed tools to start a localized training program. 

"We are augmenting test pilots at Edwards in preparation for our upcoming DT and future IOT&E," said Capt. Fred Dohnke, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron RQ-4 mission qualification section chief. 

"The developmental testing helps us get the bugs out of the system," said Capt. Andy Schwaderer, 9th Operations Group Global Hawk standardization and evaluation flight. 

"The IOT&E is somewhat of a graduation exercise, which will be monitored and graded by AFOTEC (Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center). To that end, we are readying Block 20 crews now so we can field a ready force for the IOT&E in August." 

Instead of Edwards or Northrop Grumman pilots solely performing the DT missions, several Beale Global Hawk pilots will be prepared to assist with the testing exercises. 

The DT will also ready the pilots for the IOT&E, according to officials. 

"By getting our pilots trained, we're expediting the testing portion of the process," Captain Dohnke said. 

The localized training plan was developed and implemented by the cadre instructors with much help from Beale's Detachment 11 Training Support Squadron. The TRISS has developed all the instructional materials, including visual aids, instructor and student slides, Block 20 diagrams and other items, according to Captain Dohnke. 

Specifically, the training includes two days of academics and three mission simulations to include normal and emergency procedures, according to Captain Schwaderer. 

Several dominant differences between the Block 10 and 20 models warrant this training. 
"Physically, the Block 20 has a revamped electrical system, in case of malfunction,"

RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 10 and 20 Comparison
Source: US Air Force

Captain Dohnke said. "In the Block 10, an electrical error could mean a complete system failure. In the Block 20 it's possible to recover the system." 

The Block 20 has also greatly outgrown its younger brother. 

"The aircraft is much bigger, which means improved sensors due to an increased payload," Captain Dohnke said. 

Operationally, the Block 20 will be flown from a new pilot interface that is modeled after the look of a piloted aircraft cockpit. The current flight control system uses a series of computer monitors closely resembling an office workspace. 

"The Block 20 uses a new Pilot Flight Display," Captain Dohnke said. "The display was developed by a Cockpit Development Group. These pilots, including Beale pilots, agreed that the pilot interface of the Block 10 was not very user-friendly. The new system looks similar to a cockpit you'd see in a manned aircraft Head Up Display." 

The changeover from the Block 10 to Block 20 model and certification has been a year-and-a-half-long process that is part of the greater evolution of the Air Force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. Once the certification is complete, the influx of Beale's Block 20s will nearly double the number of aircraft on Beale and allow the aircraft to be flown in more places. 

"We have the capability to increase our presence overseas without sending people into harm's way," Captain Schwaderer said. "This is history."

FILE PHOTO - First Next-Generation Global Hawk Makes Maiden Flight
Source: Northrop Grumman

FILE PHOTO - First Next-Generation Global Hawk Makes Maiden Flight (2)
Source: Northrop Grumman

• NorthropGrumman |
• exercise |
• unmannedAircraft |
• upgrade

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