Edwards celebrates Global Hawk's 10-year birthday

Posted on: Mar. 3rd, 2008 || Source: edwards.af.mil | E-mail Article | Print Article

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Ten years ago, Edwards witnessed the first flight of the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. The aircraft flew for one hour at an altitude of 32,000 feet.

Today, the Global Hawk has logged more than 20,000 flight hours, of which 15,000 were flown in support of the Global War on Terror.

The high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial reconnaissance system is designed to provide commanders with real-time imagery of large geographic areas. The Global Hawk can reach an altitude up to 65,000 feet and loiter for more than 30 hours.

The Global Hawk performed its first flight here because of the Air Force Flight Test Center's proximity to Northrop Grumman facility in San Diego and its easy acces to restricted airspace.

During its first flight, Tom Bryson, 452nd Flight Test Squadron deputy manager for engineering support, was a safety chase driver and had the opportunity to see the UAV and it capabilities.

"I had a front-row seat of this amazing aircraft," Mr. Bryson said. "I was totally amazed to see its capabilities."

The development of the Global Hawk has been phenomenal in the short amount of time they have had it here, Mr. Bryson said.

"The significance of 10 years to this point in time is just amazing because we went from an unproven UAV to a very successful first flight here," Mr. Bryson said.

Though still in the developmental stage, the Global Hawk was deployed in Afghanistan in 2001 to support of the Global War on Terror.

"None of us anticipated Sept. 11, 2001, and during that time, the Global Hawk was at a critical stage in its development," Mr. Bryson said. "But the Global Hawk did what it was built to do, and on its first night, it saved several lives."

Lt. Col. Andy Thurling, 452nd Flight Test Squadron commander, said the Global Hawk system is providing vital intelligence to the warfighter.

"The global hawk provides a persistent 'eye in the sky' that saves Soldier's, Sailors, Marines', and Airmen's lives, and helps them take the fight to our enemies."

Tom Wayne, 452nd Flight Test Squadron Northrop Grumman deputy flight test manager and Global Hawk pilot, said he was impressed with the aircrafts' performance during its first flight and foresees great things for the UAV in the next 10 years to follow.

"At first, I had mixed feelings as a Global Hawk pilot since we are flying the aircraft on the ground as the UAV is up in the sky, but after seeing its capabilities during the first flight here, I was amazed," Mr. Wayne said. "Being a Global Hawk pilot does have its satisfaction because we are breaking new grounds here. I am doing something new in aviation."

Mr. Bryson said Edwards has had the pleasure of seeing Global Hawk's first, second and third generation, and he is looking forward to see what's in store in the years to come.

"Not only will we still be providing support for the GWOT, but we will also be providing new capabilities for the military," he said. "The future for unmanned vehicles is unlimited."
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