Northrop Accepts First Production Unit of New Global Hawk Sensor Suite

Posted on: Oct. 5th, 2005 || Source: primezone.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has completed acceptance testing of the first production version of a new integrated sensor suite that will enhance imaging capability for the U.S. Air Force. The milestone clears the way for the company to begin installing the improved sensor package, which includes electro-optical and infrared cameras and synthetic aperture radar, on its RQ-4A Global Hawk air vehicles.

Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems produces the sensor package for Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk program.

"The installation of this new sensor package on Global Hawk is a significant milestone for the program," said George Guerra, Northrop Grumman's Air Force Global Hawk program manager. "The imagery provided by this sensor, even under the worst imaginable environmental conditions on the ground, will go a long way in meeting the needs of the warfighter."

The new sensor package features improvements derived from technology developed and used on the U-2 program. Its new imaging modes are improved from the current Global Hawk sensor suite, which drew praise during Operation Iraqi Freedom for its ability to "see" potential targets and help guide allied troop movements through blinding sandstorms. Northrop Grumman expects to accept several more production sensor suites from Raytheon later this year.

Two RQ-4A Global Hawks with the new production sensor suites are ready to deploy this fall in the global war on terrorism.

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