RSSMuseum of Aviation gets RQ-4 Global Hawk
Sep 07
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A C-5 Galaxy is expected to bring a recently retired RQ-4 Global Hawk, a large unmanned aircraft, to be put on display at the Museum of Aviation. The delivery of the aircraft is expected next week.
While still a relatively new aircraft, the Global Hawk is being heavily used in combat operations. The Global Hawk complements manned and space reconnaissance systems by providing near-real-time coverage using imagery intelligence or IMINT, sensors.
Global Hawk began as an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration in 1995. The system was determined to have military utility and provide warfighters with an evolutionary high-altitude, long-endurance ISR capability. While still a developmental system, the Global Hawk deployed operationally to support the global war on terrorism in November 2001. The Global Hawk UAS provides near-continuous all-weather, day/night, wide area surveillance and will eventually replace the U-2.
According to museum spokesman Bob Dubiel, the aircraft the museum is getting has flown a fleet-high 357 combat sorties for a total of 7,074 hours. It was part of the original Block 10 Global Hawks, and the Air Force recently decided to retire those in favor of the newer Block 20 and Block 30 Global Hawks.
The RQ-4 aircraft will arrive partially disassembled. After undergoing reassembly and restoration, it will be placed in the Century of Flight Hangar, suspended from the ceiling.
Source: macon.com, USAF