Missile Defense Agency May Buy Global Hawk To Observe Tests

Published: Dec 20, 2004
Source: www.aviationnow.com



The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is considering buying a Northrop Grumman-built Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle to monitor missile defense tests, the agency head said Dec. 16.

Lt. Gen. Trey Obering (USAF), MDA's director, said the agency is looking at equipping Global Hawk with a sensor package similar to the one being used on MDA's High Altitude Observatory (HALO)-II, a modified Gulfstream IIB business jet that collects data on anti-missile tests. Global Hawk, a high-altitude UAV that can stay aloft for about 35 hours, would provide far greater endurance than the manned platform, said Obering, who spoke at Shephard's UV conference.

Current customers for Global Hawk include the U.S. Air Force, which plans to buy 51 air vehicles for surveillance and other missions, and the U.S. Navy, which is getting two air vehicles for a maritime demonstration. Germany also is expected to acquire Global Hawk.continue..