Block 30 Global Hawk arrives at Beale AFB

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 9th Reconnaissance Wing accepted its first RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 30 Nov. 24, when it flew in from Edwards Air Force Base on a ferry flight after completing months of developmental flight tests.

Immediately, similarities and differences were noticed between the new aircraft and the Block 10 Global Hawks, which are currently being used in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's got an airworthiness certification from the FAA just like the (Block 10) A model (Global Hawk), and it can fly anywhere in the in the national air space," said Maj. Robert Gudikunst with the 9th RW Commanders Action Group. "Now that we are receiving them we can start doing pilot training here at Beale and also train sensor operators because it has new and improved sensors on it."

The Block 30 carries the new Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite, which in an improved version of the electric optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensors on the ISS found in the RQ-4A Block 10.

"The big difference is it's got a wider wing span about 130 feet as opposed to 116 feet and it carries a bigger pay load 3,000 pounds as opposed to 2,000 pounds on the current model," Maj. Gudikunst said.

According to Major Gudikunst, future Block 30s will be retrofitted to allow for signal intelligence.

"It will be able to do signal and imagery intelligence, so it will do everything that the U-2 is doing now, and that is the next progression for the (Global Hawk) program," said Maj. Gudikunst.

Block 30 Global Hawk arrives at Beale AFB
Source: US Air Force

Block 30 Global Hawk arrives at Beale AFB (2)
Source: US Air Force

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