Raytheon says the company has delivered the first full production Integrated Sensor Suite for the USAF’s RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. The full production suite includes synthetic aperture radar and electro-optical/infrared hi-resolution imaging capability in a single sensor system for the high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The near real-time imagery capability of the aircraft has been in high demand in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Raytheon is wrapping up the Lot 2 initial production program for the upgraded model.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.