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.
The Air Force plans to field at least 500 semi-autonomous fighter drones known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032, and another 500 cheap reconnaissance and strike drones known as Massed Modular Aircraft that same year, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Sept. 14.
