The Air Force’s Global Hawk UAV has made its first flight with a new sensor that can detect and identify radar and other electronic devices from high altitudes, says Northrop Grumman. The High Band System Production Configuration Unit is a “key subsystem” of the UAV’s new Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload sensor, which should “dramatically increase” signals collection capabilities, states the company. The new sensor is slated to be fully operational in 2008.
The Air Force put its semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft in the hands of operators, not just engineers or test pilots, for a groundbreaking exercise last week.