The first RQ-4 Global Hawk developed for the NATO Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) programme made its maiden flight out of Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility in California on 19 December. Continue reading
Category Archives: Military UAS
Iraqi Strike Could Boost China’s UAV Sales
Iraq’s first lethal strike using a Chinese drone represents a major step forward in China’s drive to become a leading exporter of military equipment, experts say. Iraq is the only known export user of the drone, also known as the CH-4, which closely resembles the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.
New Payload Tests for Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman has scheduled flight tests of three new payloads for the RQ-4B Global Hawk fleet next year. The tests are made possible by the development of a universal payload adaptor jointly funded by Northrop and the US Air Force. Continue reading
Reaper Extends Range in Afghanistan
The MQ-9 extended-range Reaper debuted in combat over Afghanistan, launching from Kandahar Airfield earlier this month, officials announced. For the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, efforts to increase those capabilities are in full swing after completing an extended range modification to nearly half of their fleet of MQ-9 Reapers and flying the first ever ER sortie in Afghanistan, Dec. 1, 2015. Continue reading
South Korea Develops Attack Drones
Germany to Lead Development of European UAV
The German Defense Ministry is assuming the leadership role for development of a European drone, the so-called Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted aircraft system or MALE RPAS. In a statement, the ministry also announced that Spain will participate as an equal fourth partner in the project.
Watchkeeper has Problems with UK Weather
The British Army has moved to accelerate the training of pilots for its £1.2bn Watchkeeper by sending them to the tropical Ascension Island for the winter after problems were found flying the aircraft in British weather. Continue reading
US Air Force Revamps the RPA Structure
The US Air Force has outlined steps it will take to improve the health and morale of its remotely piloted aircraft force, including new operating bases and doubling the total number of RPA flying squadrons. The steps, outlined in a news release follow a months-long review of the RPA force, called the Culture and Process Improvement Program.