Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

Published: Feb 15, 2006
Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil



SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- A high-flying prototype "Airman" is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa.

Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 10, and is expected to land there Feb. 16.

This unmanned aerial vehicle, AV-3, first deployed as a prototype during the build-up for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002. It returned to Edwards for a couple of months and then was recalled by U.S. Central Command to help in the fight against terrorism.

Production Global Hawks arrived in theater in January and pilots and operators consider them to be remarkable aircraft.continue..